Micks Birds, Wildlife and Other things.

God its been a while

2011-07-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

It has been some months since I last updated this blog, I have been so busy with the Exhibition Budgerigar Forum (www.exhibitionbudgerigarforum.co.uk) But I thought it time I updated with a few images. have taken up a new form of photography (for me any way) Macro, I purchased a Sigma 105mm lens and off I went. This is by far the hardest type of photography I have attempted, I needed to do this when I was younger, my poor old knee is killing me with all the kneeling that is required. I took a few images to begin with that were rubbish, and decided I needed to take my time. Today i went to a local lake to suss out the Damsells, here are a couple of Common blues.

Common Blue Damsell

Its been a while

2010-10-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since my last post, I have been quite busy, what with judging on the Continent and in America, processing many images from the BS World Budgie show, and setting up with a few Budgerigar society members an online budgie forum http://www.exhibitionbudgerigarforum.co.uk/ so I am afraid I have been neglecting my blog a little. I hope now that will change.

My patch is starting to get busy again with a few birds coming to the feeders. I am pleased to say that I have seen all four of the weaned Kestrels, with one actually staying on the patch, so that's good news for next year. I have made a few alterations to the feeding station recently, firstly I have fenced off the area so the horses, which now number five cannot eat my offerings, especially as I saw around 200 Fieldfare on the patch last week, so any apples I put down to attract them wouldn't last five minutes.

Fenced in.

Although I have the large pond behind the feeders, I decided to create a small pond closer to the hide, around ten feet away, I am hoping this will allow me to get some images of the birds bathing or drinking. I used the kids sandpit we had for the Indian Runner ducks, a quick coat of paint to help it look more natural, a bit of digging ( I really am getting too old for this now) and a few strategically placed logs and it was completed.

Sand pit

Pond.

It took a day or so before the new pond got used, but today it did as this Goldfinch came for a drink, I am looking forward to seeing more soon.

First visitor.

The Sparrow Hawk paid a few visits also, four times he swooped in for a meal and on each occasion he failed. He looks like an immature male, he will get more accurate soon, then the little uns will have to watch out. On one attack he came so close to the hide, I swear he was less than a foot away from my face.

Male Sparrow Hawk.

I had a couple of hours in the hide this week and it was cold at times, I must be getting soft because this week I laid out 50 quid for a heater. At least I got a few shots with a promise of much more to come.

Another Major award

2010-10-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

For the fourth year in succession, my budgie partners and I won a major award at the Budgerigar Society World show. To say we are pleased is understating the situation greatly. Our grey hen was awarded Best Opposite sex any age, this matches our achievement of 2009 when our Yellow Face Spangle hen won the same award.

Best Opposite sex grey hen.

2010-09-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

Red Tailed Hawk

2010-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Heerman's Gulls

Bad news

2010-09-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

You will remember me telling you about the injured male Kestrel, I have been wondering what may have happened to him for some time, my last sighting was when he was sat on the cattle feeding trough with his right wing hanging down. Today I visited my hide and for some reason that I do not know I decided to look under it, and to my amazement I found him, well what was left of him anyway. What a tragic end to such a magnificent creature. I can only assume that a rat came across him and killed him, it is over 100 yards from where I last saw him to my hide.

Very sad

In his prime

Here they come

2010-08-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

It was only a matter of time before the birds started to visit my hide again, I have not been putting a lot of food about but I have kept a couple of wire feeders topped up with nuts, and one with sunflower hearts. I arrived to find them all empty which was no surprise as I have been away for a week or so, but it was pleasing to see the birds come in as soon as I filled the feeders.
The blue tits were the first quickly followed by the Green finch.
Blue tit

Green Finch

Chiff Chaff

Nice to see so many juvenile birds around, although I guess they will get thinned out a little as the Winter goes on. I became aware of a movement in the Hawthorn hedge to my right, at first I thought it was a Squirrel as the branches were moving more than they did with the smaller birds, it turned out to be a juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker, she took a peanut and disappeared, how lovely.
Juvenile GSW

Here are a few of the birds that appeared in my short time at the hide.

Jenny Wren

Not quite sure what happened to this Black bird but if he is on the pull tonight I reckon he will be unlucky.

As you might guess it was not long before a squirrel paid a visit, he looked very contented sitting in the hedge chewing my nuts, and I was visited very briefly by another little mammal when this Field Mouse almost showed.

You can't see me, right?

All in all a very satisfactory couple of hours. As I walked across the field back to my car the sky was alive with House Martins, feeding up before their long trip to Africa, as I passed a high Hawthorn hedge I disturbed a Sparrow Hawk, I assume he was in waiting for his chance to snatch a House Martin, one little bird had a reprieve if only for a short time.

The BSG Brabant & Limburg Open show

2010-08-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Geoff Tuplin and I judged the show in Belgium last Saturday, and then judged the Norwich & Norfolk show on Sunday, quite a trip to say the least.

The Belgium show was won by Andre Goossens, who also took the awards for the Best Any Age in show, Best Young bird in show, Best Opposite sex Young bird in show and Best Opposite sex in show. The winner of the other Major award for Best Opposite sex Any Age went to Heylen Partnership.

Best in show & Best young bird
Spangle grey cock.

Best Young bird in show
Cinnamon Sky hen

Best Any Age in show
Cinnamon Light Green Cock

Best Opposite sex Any age
Cinnamon Light Green Hen

Fly past

2010-08-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

I have not been reporting much from "My Patch" mainly due to the fact there really has been nothing to report, very quite from a birding point of view. With Autumn not being too far away (I know, but its a true) I have been putting a little bit more food variety around my hide, in the past months everything I have put down has been stolen by the Crows, Jackdaws, Horse's and even the Sheep so I decided not to put too much premium food out, just some old budgie sweepings and a few peanuts and sunflower hearts.
Although I said not much was happening on the patch it certainly was as I passed the old Kestrel box and saw this great big Tup (Ram) complete with harness ready for action.

Line em up, I'm ready.

It was not long before he was in action too, right under my nose not exactly what you want to be greeted with when out birding.

Will Lamb be OK?

I got to my hide, unlocked and set up my camera in case a bird did decide to pay visit, what I really wanted to do was set up a few perches in readiness for the time the birds were really hunting food, then I would be ready for them.

My hide as today.

There is an old tree trunk that I have had my eye on for some time, so today I decided I would have a go at shifting it. It was not the brightest of idea's as it was only on Friday I put my back out cutting the Ma-in-Law's lawns, all three of them. Anyway I decided to give it a go, I reckon I thought I was Geoff Capes for a minute. Although I could lift it, I was certainly not going to shift it far. I abandoned that one and looked elsewhere. I came across an old Hawthorn hedge root that Joe at some point decided to grub out, that would do I thought, shame it was about as far from the hide as you could get. I set about placing it in situ at the hide, but I am not happy with it, it seems wherever I put it something was amiss, I am sure as I settle down over the next few months I will find the right spot for it.

The view from my hide

By now I was too knackered to do much now but sit down, so I settled in the hide for an hour or so. As I said there has not been a lot about, just a few baby Blue-tits and a baby Robins put in an appearance which I was very grateful for.

Juvenile Blue-tit

Juvenile Robin

I sat trying not to doze off which is a very easy thing to do in the hide for some reason, I started to tick off the birds I had seen in my birding book when I heard the unmistakable sound of the Moorhen, where was he/she? I watched for a few minute when out from the back of my woodpile it put in an appearance fleetingly.

Moorhen

One thing that always disappoints me although I understand it has to happen is the spraying of the nettles. If they were left unchecked they would take over the land but nettles are the place where Butterflies lay there eggs and feed, if we all removed this habitat our Countryside would be a poorer place. The Autumn colours are starting to appear already as can be seen from this next image.

Dead Nettles

As I was heading for home, as if to say hello, one of the young Kestrels flew bye. I would like to think he waved at me for helping him and his family through the hard times, but then you would all say I had lost the plot.

2010-08-12T11:18:00.001-07:00

Common Hawker

The trouble with me is I'm too happy

2010-08-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

The forecast for Norfolk looked OK so off we set for a few more days on board Ruby Tuesday, we can't get away now for as long as we used to with the Ma-in Law as she is, but it's still nice to get to sunny Norfolk as often as we can. We arrived around tea time on Wednesday and unloaded the stuff from car, set up the TV Ariel and had a brew. It was a nice evening so I decided on a walk, Jak's was reading a book. I like to walk aroung the chalets that line the river, nosey I guess. On returning to the marina I saw a few Wagtails both Pied and Grey flitting around the boats. On closer inspection I noticed that they were actually stealing flies from the spiders web's, how enterprising I thought.

Cobweb thief

I watched a few Swallows catching flies as they swooped over a small grassy area in the next marina, there was also a large flock of Goldfinches flying overhead, I would estimate the numbers to be in excess of fifty. A great Crested Grebe was preening and stretching close to my boat and a female Blackbird juvenile came and landed next to me as I was watching a Greenfinch feeding it's chicks, all in all a very nice hour or so before Coronation Street.

Time for a stretch

Thursday morning we had a leisurely trip along the river, it's amazing the lack of boat traffic on the water in the first week of August as again we seem to have the river to ourselves.

All alone

A few short stops along the way, then a longer stop off close to Strumpshaw nature reserve in the hope of seeing the Otters that reside along the river. Almost everyone I speak to in recent times have seen the Otters, we have seen them on a couple of occasions but not lately. Our first sighting was last October and the most recent one was in April when a Dog Otter crossed the path in front of me. This time we were unlucky again but it was no less pleasurable looking for them.

I came across a few Dragon flies and always take the opportunity to try and photograph them, this this time was going to be no different as I waited for one of them to land. How frustrating seeing Common Hawkers flying around me but not being able to get close to one, today I would have to settle for a lovely Ruddy Darter. As Arnie would say "I'll be back"

Ruddy Darter

We got back to the marina around tea time so with Jak chilling I decided on a walk around the RSPB reserve, it looked very busy when we passed by earlier on the river, as it turned out I had the place to myself. I had a quick look around the pool at the side of reception, there was the usual noisy Black headed Gulls, a few Shoveler and Mallards and a lone Little Egret, I didn't bother taking any images from here as the light was straight at me so any pictures would have been silhouetted. As I walked toward the Fen hide I became aware of the total silence, not a sound could I hear, yes I have a blocked ear at the moment that needs syringing , but even allowing for that it was so quite. No birds to be seen or heard at all, that is until I came across a male Pheasant who was obviously enjoying helping himself to the many Blackberries around at present.

Blackberrying

Not much doing at Fen hide so I headed for the tower hide, I like this hide in the last few hours of the day as the sun sets behind it and can provide some stunning light, again there was the usual suspects around and I was pleased to see a few Lapwings feeding around the margins. I spotted a Chinese Water Deer on the left bank of the fen and watched as he seemed quite agitated, it took me a while to realise that this fella had decided he wanted the place to himself, any bird that dare land on his piece of bank was going to get short thrift. I was amused for around a half hour as he chased and chased anything that came near, and when he had seen them off he ran and jumped with joy then rolled on the ground, I felt privileged to have seen it.
Get off my land

As the evening wore on I hoped that a few more birds would come in, but apart from a couple of Little Egrets and a Grey Heron that was about it. I had enjoyed my solitude on Strumpshaw Fen and my stomach was telling me it was time to head back to the boat, as I was closing the shutters in the hide the sun suddenly made an appearance from behind a huge cloud over the top of the hide, you know the sort of thing, just when you think that's it for the day, what a spectacle it gave me, I only wished I had another lens with me to capture the moment, I did get a shot but at 100mm it did not show the whole beauty I witnessed.

Sunblessed

Friday morning arrived with bright sunshine, followed soon after by my mate Tuppy who turned up with Julia after a very early start from Hull. Bloody hell I can feel a verse of Shining White Street coming on. After exchanging the usual pleasantries we decided to take a trip to Langley Dyke, I am always happy to visit this location as it gives me the chance to pursue my two main interests when in Norfolk, fishing and photography. Off we set, me and Jak in Ruby Tuesday and Geoff and Jules in Adagio. We arrived just over an hour later and moored up for the day.

The bank opposite the public mooring can be a haven at the right time for Butterflies and Dragons Flies. A quick brew and a chat to Tuppy who was setting up his fishing tackle in readiness for another very important fishing match (it usually takes him about 45 minutes so I felt safe in having an hour or so walk without worrying too much about him gaining too a big lead in the fishing stakes) I was amazed by the numbers of insects buzzing around and pleased to see a good number of Common Hawkers. This time I did manage a few shots as some of these wonderful creatures rested a while. I had noted that Tuppy had placed a couple of small fish in his net so it was time retain my title in the fishing stakes.

Common Hawkers

As we were fishing I became aware of a Great Crested Grebe tussling with a fish, a fish that was obviously too big for him, but if nothing else the Grebes are persistent so it was no surprise to me that this fella would spend the next twenty minutes trying to swollow the Roach. He had it in the correct position to swallow it on around eight or nine occasions, but in the end it was inevitable that he would have to give it up as a bad job and seek a smaller meal.

Too big for my belly

I know you are wondering how the fishing went, well suffice to say that I netted three for everyone of Geoff's, total eighteen to six. Jak had decided on a Cornish pasty for tea, but had forgot we would be away from our permanent mooring so no electricity, I said I would BBQ them, eager to try out my modification to my BBQ, needless to say they were a disaster as the bottoms burned, while the insides were still cold, I can't believe I did not take an image of them, even if to keep showing Jak if she ever wanted me to cook a meal again, but I fed them to the fish in disgust. I did capture my BBQ modification though.

I think an improvement

Time to head back to the marina, again we had the river to ourselves as we pushed the tide. A large flock of Greylag geese heading towards us, they turned at the last minute and I guess proceeded to land on one of the many pools that border the river, there was an Albino amoungst them, shortly after that a small flock of Canada geese headed directly at our boats, it really did look like a head on, obviously they gave us a miss in time and I did manage a shot as they passed us by.

Fly past

Saturday saw the girls shopping, Geoff was fishing so I decided on another trip to the nature reserve, this time with a view of sticking it out in Fen hide for a few hours, the Otters have been regular visitors here,but not this time. I am glad I waited though as I was treated to the site of four Marsh Harriers feeding over the fen. One parent I think and three juveniles, one with a bloodied meal in its claws, too far for pictures but a great site in the binocular's. Suddenly a Kingfisher appeared in front of the hide, he stayed for around fifteen minutes as he dived and missed its prey, then dived and caught, this action was repeated a number of times. It's just a pity that it was overcast as the images could have been so much better.

A Favourite

I returned to the boat and waited for the girls to return, in due course they did and we decided to take the boats out again and moor in Surlingham Broad, a beautiful little Broad just off the main river Yare. We tied up together and did a bit more fishing. One of the reasons we moored where we did is because the area at the shallow end of the Broad is an attraction to birds, I was hoping to sight another Kingfisher. A grey Heron arrived after a short time and walked amoungst the sunken Wherries, this area was a dumping ground in days gone buy for Wherries that were passed their best.

Wherry dumping ground

Heron bath time

As expected a Kingy did turn up, spotted by Geoff a juvenile, we watched as it attempted to catch a meal, he hung around for quite some time flying from one favoured perch to another. I smiled to myself as I realised how lucky we were to be able to experience nature like this at close quarters.

Geoff continued to enjoy his fishing, and I well remember the days when I was as keen as he is at present. Jak and I had to laugh though when we heard him say "The trouble with me is I'm too happy"

A great few days away, I can't wait to get back to Norfolk again.

Will I? Won't I?

2010-08-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

I could not make my mind up if I wanted to go fishing or attempt to photograph some Dragon Flies, so I set off this morning to try to do both. I took my spinning/Jigging rod and reel set up and my camera, but it does not stop there does it? I needed my forceps incase I caught anything, my lure box, spare traces, my binoculars, a drink, some chocky and a Jak gave me a pear as I walk out the door. All this meant I needed my chair backpack to put my gear in. I set off down my patch and headed towards the river, the problem with the little river Sence is that it is either flooded or virtually no water, but there are one or two decent pools on the stretch so it was these I intended to have a few casts. Unfortunately the river is very overgrown at this time of year and I found it very difficult to get into position, especially as I was in my shorts, I soon got fed up being stung by nettles and gave it up as a bad job.

My jigging gear

I had parked my car next to Joe's pond so decided on a couple of casts in there, as far as I am aware it does not hold any predatory fish, but you never know. Half a dozen casts later and I was on the move again. I left my car and headed towards the canal, here I could fish and hopefully see some Dragon flies. I bumped into Joe as I was leaving the Manor he told me he had recently noticed a couple of Kingfishers circling the pond, probably juveniles and seemed quite excited by the fact. I will be keeping my eye on this area the next week or so.

As I walked the towpath I saw a boat heading towards me, then one appeared from behind, it was soon evident that the fishing gear was to be just a passenger, the water was a dark muddy colour, not really conducive to lure fishing. I took the camera from my backpack which made it feel a little more comfortable and carried it on my should with the strap, at least I would be ready if a photo opportunity presented itself, It didn't, certainly not Dragonfly or bird wise anyway, it has been very quite as far as the birds are concerned for some time now. I did notice a few things that reminded me we were heading for Autumn though. One in particular was the sight of some conkers on a small chestnut tree.

Early Conkers

The fact that there was not a lot of wildlife to be seen made my walk no less pleasant, I am always happy when I am out and being near water for me is a bonus. I came to a small lake that is nestled very close to the canal, it must be ten years since I was last here, I got talking to a Scottish guy who was fishing and I recalled how it used to be full of large Carp, he told me they had all been moved, either sold or stolen and that all was in there now were small carp and silver fish. I could hear a Green Woodpecker very close although I never got a sighting, another place to bear in mind when the leafs fall and make it easier for birding.

After about a half hour of passing the time of day I moved on, by now I had walked about three miles, and never fancy covering the same ground on the way back so as I continued my walk I called Jak on the mobile and asked if she would pick me up when I felt had walked enough? Being the good gal she is said she would if she could find me.

I noticed some Bulrush growing in the margins of the canal and it reminded me that most folk do not recognise it as such, they refer to Reed mace as Bulrush, strange as they are miles apart in appearance.

Bulrush

Reed Mace

I walked for another two miles and then came across two guys tending to the towpath, one with a mower and the other with a very loud strimmer. I was close to a road now and thought it time to ring Jak, come and get me I said. She said she would be half an hour so I walked a further 500 yards to an old lock house where I notice a large number of Swallows, great I though as I watched them swooping down to the water and take a drink, I positioned myself at the base of a set of steps that lead to the next level of water at the side of a locks, I could look directly down the canal, ideal as the sun was also in the right direction. I tried to focus on a couple of Swallows without success but thought it only a matter of time. How wrong could I be as strimmer boy appeared on the bend of the footpath, he appeared and the Swallows disappeared.

Strimmer Boy

I walked the short distance back between the locks to wait for Jak, as I got to the bridge she was coming over it, great timing. She took me back to the Manor and I got my car. I was not giving up yet, not with the Dragon Flies anyway, so I headed to the lake on the edge of Newton Harcourt, built especially for the farmer to water his taters. I had seen a few Dragons there in the past, I was not to be disappointed this time, although there was only a couple of pairs. I tried to get some in flight images but at this time of day I reckon my reactions had slowed so I settled for trying to find them as rest, not always easy I can tell you.
I can across a Common Hawker female and watched as she continually flew back and forth over a short stretch of water, in time she landed, now was my chance.

Common Hawker (Female)

She had started to lay eggs so I hoped she would be too pre-occupied now to notice me and my big lens.W hy do the always face the wrong way? Dunno buy they do, Its not easy getting close without disturbing them, especially when you have a dodgy knee, but I was not going to let a bit of pain stop me from achieving my objective.

The egg laying process

I was happy I had at least got a couple of images, I hate being out and returning with nothing. I managed a one shot of a Common Darter, before it darted off, so all in all a good day.

Common Darter

Maybe I should have gone directly to the lake this morning, but I did enjoy the walk if not the fishing.

2010-08-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Grey Squirrel

Red Deer

Fox Cubs

2010-08-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Grey Pelican

2010-08-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Spangle Sky cock

Normal Grey Green Cock

Normal Grey Green Cock

Barhead Light Green Cock

Barhead Light Green Hen

2010-08-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

It's the same with fishing, if you don't go, you don't catch anything, you have to have a bait in the water to tempt a fish. The same logic applies to photography, if you don't go out you won't get the shot. It was with that thought in mind I decided on a walk. Firstly I called down the hide to top up the feeders, I wonder why I am bothering at the moment as there is very little showing. Having said that my bird seed is disappearing each day, so something is helping themselves to it, probably Squirrels, Mice, Crows and the like. As I left the hide I walked towards the Manor House, I had not been near it for some time now. Joe had been having an extension to the kitchen area so I was interested to see how it was progressing, as you can see from the image below, it is coming along mighty fine.

Manor House extension

Can you believe those roof tiles are man made, they are a double for Switherland slate, the materiel used for the main house. Looking around the duck pond I noticed three Indian Runner ducks, Sue had told me she had acquired some and was soon to let them out to take their chance in the wild, they reminded me of our runners that succumbed to the fox during the last Winter, although ours were not white in colour.

Indian Runners

I walked towards the little church that sits opposite the Manor House and sat in the grave yards for a while on one of the bench seats provided, it was so quite all I could hear was a Pigeon that was sat in the tree above me, it was making that throaty Pigeon noise that they make and it reminded me of my school days when I used to fish the canal at Newton Harcourt, funny how I always associate this sound with Newton. As I gazed over the fields in the distance I heard the squeal of a Kestrel, as I looked through my bins I caught a glimpse of him just as he landed on a leafless branch of an Oak tree. I watched as it's gaze followed a dog walking woman and her two dog's directly below. Obviously she was unaware she was being stared at, she was in no real danger though, never heard of a Kestrel eating a Human or a Dog come to that. I meandered across the field to bridge number 79 on the Grand Union canal. This bridge was under great discussion when I lived in the village during the 1980's because it was in urgent need of repair, British Waterways wanted to replace it with a modern concrete structure for cheapness I guess, but the villagers campaigned against that design and insisted it be rebuilt as the original was. I am so glad we did as it now stands in all it's glory for us all to enjoy for the next hundred years.

A view from bridge 79

I saw a guy fishing and got chatting a while, he had been retired a week and decided to get back into fishing having stopped around 20 years ago due to work commitments, he commented how it had took him forty five minutes to set his tackle up (sounds like my budgie mate Tuppy) He said when in his younger day's it would take him five minutes, it reminded me of a time in the 1970's when me and my Dad were fishing at Oulton Broad in Norfolk, tie this hook on for me our Mick will you he said, you old fart I thought, I can fully relate to him now. Poor old Dad, I wish I had been more tolerant towards him when I was younger.

Caught owt mate

As I passed under bridge 80 I saw a sign warning me of overhead power cables, there were other signs warning not to fish between two points again because of overhead power cables. It reminded me of a seminar on safety I attended when working, there was a police officer giving a talk on the power of signs, and to emphasise his point he held up a sign that would appear on the ladies toilet door and asked who would pass this sign, obviously the women in the room put up their hands as I did, but no one else. A no entry sign has the same effect, we do not enter, a no right turn etc etc. What a shame the guy who owned this pair of socks next to this sign did not obey it, obviously blown his socks off. I looked around for the rest of him but found nothing, so I guess he will remain a mystery.

Shocking or Socking!

A boat passed and I waved to the two guys sitting at the tiller and then smiled, why does it always seems to be the women that walk the tow path between locks with the lock paddle key in their possession, ready to open the next lock, I often wonder if they ever actually get on the boat at all, other than to cook that is. I watched as she struggled to open the paddles on each side and then pushed the lock gates open, all this while the two blokes were deep in conversation.

Hurry up luv

One thing I have noticed since I retired is that I have time now to actually stop and pass the time of day, something I considered a complete waste of time when I was trying to fit all the things I needed to do into the hours available when working, I walked past the Lock house and on to the far end of the field when I heard the noise of a strimmer in the small woodland that was planted in remembrance of John's Mum when she died, she loved tree's as does John so I guess it was no surprise to find the person on the end of the strimmer was infact John himself the owner of the house. I commented on remembering the day the tree's were planted and how it seemed only yesterday, he reminded me it was over 12 years now, amazing how much growth they had gained in that time. We chatted for some time about all sorts of things, and about how I had tried to purchase the lock house in the early 90's. I have to say then it was a mess, credit to John he has it looking great now. I got off the tow path at the end of John's Mum's wood at bridge 81 and took a photo looking back to the lock house, it looked so Serene.

Idyllic scene

I returned to my patch having completed a circuit around one side of it, I walked towards the river and sat with my back against a fence post. It was so very quite, a Bullfinch came near but did not hang about long enough for me to get a picture, I was looking at a green woodpecker at distance with my binoculars as it attacked an ants nest with relish, when all of a sudden I noticed a Grey Heron walking directly towards me, It obviously was unaware of my presence, I took a picture of it as I did it heard the shutter click and was away.

Grey Heron

It just goes to show if you sit still long enough, nature will come to you. Did I get the shot? Yeah, I reckon I did.

Where's Mick gone?

2010-07-30T10:03:00.001-07:00

If I needed a reason to go out today it was Jak's pet budgie sitting on my head saying "Where's Mick gone" after hearing it for the fortieth or fiftieth time I could stand it no more, where would I go? Any bloody where to get away from that bird, its getting worse that "Shining White Street if ya don't mind" going around in my head. I was reading about the forthcoming butterfly day where we can all take place in a day of counting butterflies, not sure I can be arsed with that but I could go out and photograph a few. I walked the local canal towpath with little success, but I noticed after a while I was paying more attention to putting my foot down on a clean part of the path trying to avoid the dog poo, rather than looking at what I could photograph.

I decided to visit Saddington Reservoir, well know locally as a good spot for flutterby's. As I reached the turn into the resi I became aware of a blonde girl in the field that the road borders.

Chance meeting

I parked up and went for a closer look, by this time she was kneeling down looking towards the ground, is she taking drugs I thought? I approached her and shouted are you OK? She stood and said she was then asked should I not be here, I replied no problem I just wondered if you were OK. It turns out she was photographing small things, i.e. grass hoppers and small mouths etc that were habitating there. She saw I had a rather large one (Lens, drag ya neck in) and we got chatting about photography, it appears she would like to be a Professional togger and wanted to study the craft in collage. She asked me about my photography and said I had inspired her, I felt very pleased. I said goodbye to Danny and wished her well, she said she was pleased to have met me, I wish all chance meetings were as pleasant as this one.

Walking around the reservoir I became aware of a high number of Damsel Flies, I am interested in these but do not really have the equipment to photograph them properly.
Banded Damesell Female

I may in time invest in a proper Macro lens. I saw some Peacock butterflies, these never cease to impress me with their vibrant colours and massive eye's on their wings to deter predators always amazes me.

Peacock Butterflies

The Cabbage whites which were in abundance never interested me but I did see a few Comma's another strikingly beautiful butterfly. I have never been happy with my butterfly and insect images, one I don't think I have the patience to get the shots I might, also the macro equipment to do the job properly so I guess I will have to make do for now, I just can't resist photographing them when I get the chance though, and it gives me something to do when the birds are scarce which they appear to be at present as far as I am concerned.

Comma Butterfly

Not too many Dragon Flies to be seen around the reservoir but I did see a few Common Darter, i prefer the colouration on the female to be honest but I guess they are both beautiful in their own way.

Common Darter (Male)

Common Darter (Female)

I was getting bored now, giddy is probably a better description spinning around with the camera pressed to my face chasing bloody insects all over the place, so I decided to get myself over to Gumley, but before I did I took one last shot of a Bee on a thistle, when I looked at the pic on the PC I noticed the Hover Fly, hovering. Bonus aye.

Bonus

I know an area in Gumley near the cricket pitch where a large Bramble grows and is a heaven for Dragon Flies for a reason unknown to me. But as I reached my chosen spot I noticed a tractor to my right, the guy inside got out and walked towards me, I said Hello mate to which he replied, you know you are way of the public right of way don't you? I replied no I didn't, he said well ya do now F. Off. I can hold my own in a shouting match but thought it would be fun to watch this guy explode as he appeared pretty much wound up as it was. I asked him not to swear at me, he said he will do as he liked as I had no right to be on his land. I asked him what rights did I have to which he replied you have no F.ing rights now F.off. I explained to him he was totally wrong and that I infact did have a right to be there, is that your car he said, yes I reply (which was parked one metre off the main road. He threatened to get his tractor and remove it, feel free I said and while you are doing that I will call the Police.

Mr Grump

I reminded him that he may well have been the bully at school, it may well have got the results he craved for, but it certainly was not going to work with me. At this point he stormed off muttering to himself and headed back to his tractor. I wished him well and suggested he have a nice day. What a contrast to the start of my day and other chance meeting in the field with Danny. I can't say it did not spoil my day a little, a simple would you get back on the road and I would have been gone. I wonder what wound him up today, maybe one of his cows shit on him at milking, I have to say I don't blame her either.

I decided it was time for home, I was mad, but was not going to let one annoying liaison spoil my day, as I entered the house Jak whistled me as she always does when I get back, Billy flew on my head and said "Where's Mick gone" made me smile.

2010-07-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

Broad Bodied Chaser (Female)

Broad Bodied Chaser

Blacktailed Skimmer

Common Darter

Owls

2010-07-28T10:54:00.001-07:00

Barn Owl.

Torbay B&FBS Show

2010-07-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

My budgie partner and I were invited to judge the Torbay Silver patronage show over the weekend, and what a great event it turned out to be even though the show hall was a little restrictiveat times, it appeared to be bulging at the seams with birds and exhibitors. If this show gets any more popular the Committee will seriously have to consider looking for a larger venue. The standard of the birds throughout the sections were outstanding and it was a pleasure to be able to judge some of them, my only issues was the space restriction when judging, making it difficult for me to access the birds properly, also the light was not great. Having said that we were made most welcome and treated exceptionally well from start to finish.

The major winning exhibits were staged in excellent condition, with the Best in show award going to Brian Sweeting's wonderful Grey Green cock, a real show man just like his owner.

Brian with his Best in show.

Best Young bird in show went to Roger Long's Cinnamon hen, Roger was also awarded Best Opposite sex Young bird with his Spangle cock.

Roger & Kath Long

Intermediate Any Age was awarded to C. Williams and the Intermediate Young bird award went to. P. Huntley.

In the Novice section I was pleased to see Darren Snell do very well by taking both Novice Any Age and Young Bird, no wonder he had a smile on his face all Sunday afternoon.

Darren Snell

Barry Lowe took both Beginner sections, also winning the Light Green Challenge certificate with his excellently staged Light Green cock.

Ronnie Biggs

The Junior section was dominated by Tom Salem, I was so pleased to see Tom do so well after his poor breeding season, I am sure he feels much better about his birds now than he did earlier in the year.

Nice one Tom.

All in all a very good day, rounded off by a BBQ at the lovely home of Sue and Barry Lowe. The woman chatted all night, I wonder where the Guy's were? Oh Yes, admiring Barry's budgerigars.
Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit.

Jeff Attwood & Ian discussing budgies

Barry inspecting a nest box.

I would like to thank Sue & Barry on behalf of myself and my partners for your wonderful hospitality, but get some bloody tea bags in before our next visit. Please pass on our thanks to your Committee and Members for a very pleasant judging experience and a lovely weekend.

2010-07-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wednesday started with me getting up early and having a walk around Brundall, the Swallows were still in numbers around the marina and a Pigeon was starting the build a nest in a small tree, other than that there was not a lot about, we had decided to visit Whittlingham Country park, this is reachable by boat with a small public mooring for around six boats. We set off up river in both boats, pushing the tide we decided on a nice steady pace, it was a wonderful Summer Norfolk day. As we reached Woods End we started to see a few Kingfishers along the river bank, Geoff pointed one out to me sitting on a rope of an old boat tied outside a farm house, I could not get a good shot but it was not for the want of trying. Jak kept circling the boat maneuvering into position for me to get the best view, the very obliging Kingy must have been peeing himself at our antic's. I happened to look up as we were playing silly beggars on the river to see three strapping Policemen, bloody hell I thought, what now.

Evening all

I apologised for taking up most of the river and blamed Jak, they said OK, we all laughed as they passed us, I wouldn't mind a job like that I thought. We continued our trip to Whittlingham and arrived about forty minute later.
Geoff tied up first and then it was my turn, the girls Jak and Julia decided to sit at the side of the river and have a natter and enjoy the sun, Geoff and I chose to have a walk, maybe not the best idea on such a hot day, it was very warm as we set off and not long before the decision to take my tri-pod seemed a bad one. We went off the beaten track into the wood in the hope of spotting some birds (any birds yes) and dragon flies on the edge of the wood, we were disappointed, even more so when out of the blue we were confronted by a flight of steps made from wood and bark as the path we were following decided it would go straight over a huge hill. We both made it OK but Geoff did admit to Julia later that he thought he may not. On exiting the wood we found ourselves walking along a cut off the main river Yare, here we did see a few Dragon Flies although too nifty to get any pictures of them.
Geoff noticed a different looking bird as we watch some bathing Greylags, we could not recognise what it was but it looked like a cross between a Greylag and some other Goose.

Greylag cross?

Geoff at the half way point

Eventually we arrived at the halfway point around the main Whittlingham Broad, thankfully there was a bench seat where we rested a while, we got chatting to a guy with a camera and large lens about our sightings, I recalled I had spoke to him before at Rockland Dyke I remembered he was very evasive at that time, he was no different today. We did get out of him that the woman he was with was not his Wife, and that the Wife was at home, time to move on we felt. Geoff spotted a Dragon fly that looked like a young Broad Bodied Chaser, the light was wrong for a perfect image but managed a shot anyway.

Juvenile Broad Bodied chaser

We were struggling by now and wished we had taken a drink with us, we could see the boats in the distance although a way off, and eventually managed to reach them and enjoyed a very welcome drink. It was not long before we decided to head off to the pub and get a meal, arriving at Woods End we moored and enjoyed a very welcome shandy, the menu was not to our liking so we decided to move on and eat at the Yare pub.

Moored outside The Wood End

A good day was had by all and another was expected tomorrow as Geoff's Brother Jim was due, time for me to gain revenge in the fishing stakes.

Thurday we went into Surlingham Broad, a lovely little Broad just off the river Yare, but on route we came across a Great Crested Grebe with its babies on its back, such a lovely site.

Grebe family

On entering the Broad where I usually photograph Cormorants that roost and dry their wings after fishing on a dead tree, I was disappointed to discover the tree had fallen down possibly due to being subjected to years of Cormorant poo. I will be interested to see where they choose now to dry. We had a slow cruise around the edge of the Broad and saw a couple of Grey Herons fishing, these birds are very wary and fly off at the drop of a hat. I did manage to take a picture of each one and also saw another hiding in the reeds/tree branches.

Grey Herons at work

It was not long before the silence was soon broken as Geoff turned up with his Brother and the girls, a quick chat then we all set off down river for a cruise.

Meet the Tuplins

Jak likes to drive our boat from time to time, she does what I call religious driving " Across here across there" and when she does manage to keep it straight does so on the wrong side of the river. We moored in Rockland Staite and I got the electric connected so we could have a brew. A fishing match did take place and I regained my title, enough said.

Walking around the Broad I saw a Chinese Water deer, plenty of butterflies and some some Warblers, entering the the bird hide I could here a Sedge Warbler, its very difficult to get a clear view of these. I have the Sedge's call on my mobile and played it to them, in seconds there were four or five flitting around I was unable to get a shot of one though, they just never stay still.

A couple of Flutterby's

I was getting a little peckish by now so headed back to the boat, we had decided on a BBQ Geoff said he had never done a BBQ before but was bragging about the fact Julia had won one in some competition. I thought wait until you see mine.

My BBQ

Do you think we should join Mick

A great meal, a couple of drinks and some great fun was had by all. Jim, Rene and Kev had to head back home so it was time to get back to the marina, Geoff led the way as we followed in convoy across the wonderful Rockland Broad, it was a mill pond and looked so peaceful.

Rockland Broad

We arrived back at the marina and said our goodbyes to Jim, Rene and Kev, I guess they go back to "Shining White Street" now. Geoff decided on a bit of fishing while I sat on my boat with a cuppa, we chatted about what a great three days we had just had and about when we would be back for more. Tired, and ready for bed I said good night.

Shining White Street if ya don't mind!!!

2010-07-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

That bloody statement has been on my mind for weeks now, infact since I was on my boat and Tuppy's Son and Brother (see July 3rd) turned up. In conversation about the old days and in particular our childhood, it transpires that Geoff & Jim's Mum or Mam as they say Up Norf was selected to appear on a Surf advert, no not because she was good at riding the waves in Newquay, but because she lived in White street in Hull. She was selected along with loads of others who lived in White Streets or White Chappel etc. When the interviewer said you live in White Street, she had to reply "Shining White Street if ya don;'t mind" Since they told me this it won't leave my mind, I find myself out of the blue saying the bloody thing at all times of the day and night, it's like a song or tune that's you just can't lose. So as you can imaging when I went back to Norfolk for a few days, and Geoff said he was also going to be there and Jim would be coming over on the Thursday it brought it to mind even more so. I think I even greeted Jim with "Shining White Street if ya don't mind"

More of Jim later. Having arrived at the marina on Monday afternoon we unpacked and had a brew and snack, I was aware as I drove into the boatyard that the sky was a mass of Swallows mainly juveniles so I was keen to try and get a few images of them. I love baby Swallows, they look so miserable at times.

Mr Grump

I watched them for some time first as they landed on the phone lines and boats, infact anywhere they could safely land and wait for the parents to bring them a meal.

Juvenile Swallow

Once fed, off they shot into the air again, some were swooping down in an attempt to get a drink, often unsuccessfully as they misjudge their decent and ducked themselves, it was quite amusing to see this. All of a sudden there was not a bird to be seen, I looked around and wondered why, looking up I noticed what I thought at first glance was a Sparrow Hawk, that would explain their sharp exit, on closer inspection I could see it was a Hobby, one of my favorite Falcons, there was five or six brave Swallows attempting to chase it off.

The Hobby

The hobby feeds on insects and large Dragon flies, and will take House Martins and Swallows, I did manage a shot of the Hobby before it disappeared. It was soon to be dusk and a few birds were already starting to find their roosting spot for the night.

Time for bed

The following day Jak and me had a trip down river, I wanted to go to the pub "The Beauchamp Arms" about an hours trip. The reason was to try to photograph the House Martins that build their nests on the pub each year. I was hoping to see a few babies about, I did get to see some but was about a week too early as they were still in the nests.

Two of a kind

It was still nice to know they had returned this year and were using the same nests as last year. Some nests seemed to have three or four babies some just one, all the same I really enjoyed watching the parents catching insects on the wing and bringing them back to their offspring.

Oh what a mouth

We stayed a while sitting on a picnic bench next to our boat and had a shandy, it was a glorious summer day in Norfolk, there is no place I would rather be on a day like this. During the afternoon I took the boat to Rockland Staithe in search of Dragon Flies and maybe a few butterflies to photograph, having been unsuccessful two weeks earlier. I walked around the Broad towards the bird hide and saw a few Ruddy Darter on the low wall that runs around one end of the Broad, not the nicest perch concrete but beggers and all that.

A Ruddy Darter

I looked from the hide for twenty minutes or so and saw a few Broad Bodied chasers flying around but not close enough for a decent image. On leaving the hide I saw a Ruddy Darter on the hand rail, he was quite obliging really at one point I thought he was stuffed.

A close encounter

I was seeing Dragon flies but unable to get close. I decided to get into the meadow in an attempt to get some pic's. I did manage a few but not of my desired species. I did like the look of a Teasel head developing as the sunlight hit it, and the fact there was a Ladybird on it was an added bonus.

Teasel

I saw a few Butterflies Butterfly and a few Bee's but no Dragon flies, by now I am about shattered having been on my feet most of the day in the hot sun.

A Comma

I made my way back to the boat and a well earned drink, Jak was doing her usual, sitting on the top of the boat reading a book, she looked knackered. I recognised a couple I had spoken to a couple of years earlier, they were doing the same walk from Rockland to The Beauchamp arms, we got chatting and he reminded me of a conversation we had at the time, he was in negotiations with Tesco, they wanted some land he owned, he was nervous they would pull out, it turns out the deal went through, he then proceeded to tell us about how they had purchased a now boat. Some folk have all the luck aye. Just as they said good bye, I saw a Barn Owl heading straight for my boat, I had placed my camera inside the cabin and made a dash for it, I got back just in time to get a shot of its bum.

Silent in flight

I love seeing the Barn owl at anytime day or night, a real graceful bird to say the least with its silent flight, no wonder its prey never know they are in danger until its too late.

Bloody wind

2010-07-16T10:04:00.001-07:00

I hate the wind, it makes me tired, blows my garden plants over and last night broke one of my plant pots with a Japanese Maple in it, another £40 down the pan to replace it. Above all it's hopless trying to get bird images in the wind, but I was getting stir crazy as I had not been out all week, mainly due to issues with the Ma-in-Law again although the weather has not helped. So I decided to venture out and see what might be about, at first I thought I may visit Rutland water Europe's largest man made reservoir but decided instead it would be The Eyebrook resevoir nestling on the borders of three counties – Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire it is a place I got to know quite intimately in the 1970's and 80's. I spent many hours fly fishing for trout in the month's of April, May and June as this was the traditional close season for course fish, so I turned my attention to trout. One important point of interest is that the RAF used to use the water for low level flying in 1943 only when the 'dambusters' raid by the pilots of 617 squadron had taken place could they be told why it was so important.

The Eyebrook

I made my way around to the lodge which in my day consisted of a small office a w/c and a room where we used to have a fry up, we always took a camping stove with us it could be very cold at times. Today there is a fully stocked tackle shop, in the purpose built lodge and a function room. I was reminded of the times afloat there as I watched a couple of anglers just leaving the boat jetty, I thought you must be mad going out in winds like this, but remembered when my fishing mate of the time and I got caught in a storm on the Eyebrook.

Be careful lads

The day started fine then on the horizon a large black cloud came over the water, within 30 seconds we were in trouble, being battered by the huge waves hitting our rowing boat, all the bank anglers on the Leicester bank had made it to the safe haven of Robbo's hut, a small shed names after one of the Bailiffs at the time. I have to say we were lucky that day, and so grateful to hit the bank, it turns out that on entering Robbo's hut they had been betting on if we would survive. It might have been nice if one of them had raised the alarm, but I guess in the days before mobile phones one of the miserable sods would have had to get wet.

Any birds I did see were mainly water species, lots of Swans and Ducks of varies sorts and a huge number of Great Crested Grebes, I don't think I have ever seen so many at one time, unfortunately they were at distance and too far for a decent image. Making my way to the Stoke Dry end of the reservoir I parked next to the bridge, the Eye Brook flows underneath, looking over the parapet I saw a family of ducks, Mum and chicks, a nice site in the midday sun, seems they were sheltering from the strong wind.

A welcome site for me today

I have to say by now the wind was doing my head in and was glad to be in the shelter of the car, I decided to leave the Eyebrook for a return on a calmer day and set off for my patch, just as I turned to head for Uppingham I saw a couple of Green Woodpeckers, a species that continues to elude me, a very wary bird, I slowed down and pulled over, they nearly did a runner then but continued to feed on whatever it was they had found, probably ants. I snook out of the car and aimed my camera at them, into the sun again, bugger, but hey I had two Green Woodpeckers in my view finder, a quick couple of shots as a record now to get nearer.

Record Shot

I inched my way closer trying not to alert them in any way, I was close enough to get a decent shot even though the light was wrong, lifting the camera to my eye I focus and frame the two Woody's, just as I was about to press the shutter, up pops White van prat, sounded his horn at me and drove off into the distance, yes you guessed it the Woody's had gone.
As I arrived at the lane that leads to my place I saw and image that at first glance had me worried, I thought I had spotted Jak and her Mum looking into a hedgerow, turns out I need not have worried.

Don't you be telling her when you see her. A quick look down the patch I saw three of the baby Kes's, looking so mature already, topped up the food and back home, ready for a nap after all that wind.

Chris Snell visits Leicester BS

2010-07-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Chris Snell of the C&M Snell partnership from Great Grimsby gave a very interesting and diverse talk to twenty plus members at Leicester BS. Chris described his early days in the hobby when he was in partnership with his late Father Arthur, and how they specialised in Light Greens, he also talked about their Supreme award at the BS World show in the mid-eighties.

Chris in action
When asked how the hobby could attract more members he gave an outline to change the hobby completely in as much as he feels the calender for events should change. Chris thinks the BS rings should be available in October and breeding should commence at this time, this would allow young birds to be available for showing in April, moving the show season to April through to July culminating with the BS World show at the end of the show season. A questions and answer session followed after a short break in which he was joined by Geoff Tuplin from Hull, a variety of topic's were covered in this session which was most informative.

Well entertained members
All in all a very enjoyable evening, I really must make the effort to attend more club meetings.

2010-07-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

Western Meadowlark

Marbled Godwit

Red Shoulderd Hawk

Demoiselle Crane

Anhinga

2010-07-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Herring Gull

Dewsbury win

2010-07-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am very pleased to announce that the FA1 team had a great result at the Dewsbury BS Open show today being awarded Best in show with our Cinnamon Spangle grey cock and Best Opposite sex young bird in show with our Dominant Pied grey hen.

Best in show

Best Opposite sex Young Bird in show

Foxey Fun

2010-07-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Boy its been hot today and as you know its only "Mad dogs and Englishman" that go out in the Midday sun, so off i set to Gumley once more, the reason? Fox cubs are only fox cubs for a limited time and i wanted some more images of them before they disappeared to find their own territories, or if they are unlucky an early demise. The wind was in the right direction for me to approach their habitat but the sun was in the wrong direction for decent images, but one out of two ain't bad. I walked along the shaded edge of the woodland to where i had seen them previously, as i walked among the nettles (shorts are definitely not the best attire for this job) I noticed one of the cubs sat in the shade under a large cattle feeder.

Seeking shade

I slowly positioned myself behind the trunk of a tree and watched with anticipation, all of a sudden a second cub appeared, it dropped down from inside the feeder and then jumped straight back up. I wanted to be nearer to them so it was a hands and knee job to maneuver into a better vantage point, all the time the first cub was under the feeder, he then decided to join his sibling by leaping into the upper level, he fell straight back down looking quite embarrassed by his situation. I could see the tail of the second one dangling down i decided to squeak them and see what happened, as i did a third one appeared from behind the furrow and came directly towards me but i was kneeling behind a bed of nettles so never got a clear shot oh him, when he saw me he turned and ran towards the wood to my right, i guessed he was spooked and not to be seen again, i was wrong, within seconds he was approaching me from the side.

I got you spotted mate

I did get an image of him albeit not perfect as he only hung around for a matter of seconds, he also alerted the others which put an end to my fox fun.

I have to say it was pleasure to be in their company for a short period time and to see them reasonably close up, when you consider the bad press their Urban Cousins are getting at present it seems strange when these guys and gals are spooked at the slightest site of a human.
Time i thought to check on the Kestrel down the patch. They hang about in the Oak tree where they were born and always bugger off as i approach it, this time was no different apart that is for the first time i saw all four fly off together so i can confirm now all four made it through.

My Kes's

They circled for a few moments the disappeared into the tree's in canal spinney.
I walked to my hide and topped up the nut and sunflower heart feeders, as i did i was aware of the resident Buzzard flying quite low for a change, i watched a while before realising it was getting closer to me, the light was in the right direction so i took advantage of getting a few images.

Common Buzzards

Funny i have not discovered the nest of this pair yet, although i think they are nesting in the wood belonging to Joe Goddard's brother attached to my patch, maybe i will get to see their offspring, i certainly hope so. Well by now i look like a Turkey cock so i headed for home. As i walked in i said hello to Jak, she replied you must be mad! I can't argue with that.

2010-07-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Emberizidae
Reed Bunting (female)

2010-07-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Tree Sparrow

Specialist & Rare Varieties

2010-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Easily Clearbody

English Fallow

German Fallow

Saddleback

Texus Clearbody

2010-07-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Normal Yellow face Grey

Full Circular Crest Dominant Pied Sky

Whitewing Blue

Opaline Cinnamon Light Green

Normal Dark Green

Greywing

Opaline Cinnamon Sky Blue

Normal Yellowing Dark Green

Recessive Pied Dark Green

Opaline Light Green

Normal Sky Blue Full Circular Crest

Normal Cinnamon Grey Spangle

Normal Cinnamon Grey Green

Whitewing Grey

Normal Sky Blue

Normal Light Green

Normal Spangle Grey Green

Normal Grey Green

Yellow Face Cinnamon Spangle

Albino Hen

Cinnamon Light Green Full Circular Crest

Recessive Pied Dark Green

A day in the garden

2010-07-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

I woke up feeling so knackered i decided to do bugger all apart from see to the budgies, oh and work through the list Jac had left me before nipping to see her Mum, then i remembered i promised to cut my neighbours lawns (yep, all three of them) while he is away in Cornwall for three months. By now i am even more knackered, should i go down the patch today and chase those baby Kestrels or give it a miss and enjoy some time in my garden for a change? Well i chose the latter, for ten minutes anyway until i decided to go get my camera, there were far too many photo opportunities being missed. The garden at present is buzzing with life, Sparrows, Blue-tits, Starlings loads of Finches etc, and of course Butterflies and Bee's , they can buzz quite a bit, not forgetting the hedgehog family, so sitting in my favourite garden chair i started to take some pic's.

The beautiful House Sparrow

I certainly never take the garden birds for granted, they have for years given me many hours of pleasure watching their antic's, sometimes it is a real struggle just to survive, most of the time there is a real competition for food, there is always the danger of the evil Sparrow Hawk who frequents my garden from time to time quickly putting a swift end to life helping themselves to the easy pickings my bird table provides in the form of Sparrows and Goldfinches.
Baby Spadge

There is also the bloody moggy, i read somewhere that domestic cats are solely responsible for more than three million bird fatalities each year, little sod's.
Anyway, i had some fun watching the baby House Sparrows begging to be fed, seeing the juvenile Starlings fighting for space in my birdbath, why do they all want to bathe at the same time i wonder? Then there is my friendly Robin who comes each day for his quota of meal worms put out for him in a small dish on the sun room windowcill, when he's emptied the dish he comes in the the house as if to say, come on then, its tea time, get that dish topped up.
House guest

I walked up the garden to take a look at the cattle that reside from time to time in the field that borders my garden, it was so hot, no wonder these two decided to take a drink.
Thirsty work

As i gazed over the field in the hope of a sighting of the Little Owl, which until last Winter was resident in the Ash tree next to the five barred gate. Unfortunately this tree was blown over in one of the gales and their nesting site was lost, i have not seen them since. I made a Little Owl nest box that will be sited in the next tree along the hedgerow in the hope of attracting this pair,or maybe some of their offspring for next breeding season.
One bird i am always pleased to see in my garden is the Great spotted woodpecker, we are graced most days by their presence and today was no exception, this time it was the female, i just manages a quick shot as she was leaving.
Female Great spotted woody

Over to my left i noticed a rabbit that had obviously got me spotted too by the way he had crouched down into the grass, either that or he had got wind of the Fox that made a meal of my Grandaughter's three pet ducks last Winter, either way he was being a little wary, by the way i bear the Fox no malice for upsetting my lovely Martha, although i wish he would give me the opportunity to take his picture now and then, sly little devil him.
You aint seen me, right.

A few quick flower pic's for fun, bloody hard work though this close up stuff, how the folk who do dedicated macro work manage it i can't imaging. I am happy just playing around with this type of photography from time to time.
Foxglove & fly

I was pretty well rested now and lets face it you can only spend so long doing sod all, anyway Jac would be back home soon and would be saying can you just do this or that before you go out? Time to make a swift exit i thought.
Where would I go? Maybe i could call out those fox cubs again or hopefully see or hear the Green Woodpecker at Gumley that had eluded me on my previous visit. Gumley it was, as i said in an earlier post it is a wonderful area just being there with the anticipation of what might appear if i was lucky today was enough for me, so plonking my bum down on a fallen beech tree i gazed into the distance, after around thirty minutes i was aware of a mewing sound that can be mistaken for a cat but i just knew it was the Buzzard, looking skywards i saw two (maybe a pair) gliding at approximately 200 feet directly above me, no they were not eyeing me up for their next meal but certainly the local rabbit population should be worried. They started to descend and in fact came quite low, my presence was not to their liking i reckon as they continued to call/mew at me. I did manage a few images, one in flight also and one in a tree as it landed for a short time.
Common Buzzard

I decided to leave them in peace and make my way to the wood in the hope of seeing the fox cubs again, maintaining a low profile i proceeded to make a few calls with the fox squeaker, as if by magic one of the cubs showed itself but only briefly, i blew my lungs out for the next ten minutes with no further effect, these cubs are not daft even at this young age.
I continued my walk down into the valley just enjoying the solitude really, when out of the blue i heard the distinctive call of the Green Woodpecker, it is an unmistakable sound and i was so pleased to have heard it, i also saw one in the distance the undulating flight pattern is unmistakable. It was time to head back home, the realisation of the task before me set in as i looked up the valley, i had a hard walk in front of me, it was easy going down but with a dodgy knee i was not looking forward the climb, especially as i was pretty much dehydrated by now, why do i always forget to take a drink with me?

Eventually i got to the car and headed home. I had some images to post process for a budgerigar magazine so i sat into the night on the laptop, it was around 12.45 when i heard a snorting noise on the patio, looking out of the still open patio door i was party to the courting process of a pair of hedgehogs.

The courting couple

Yes I have images of the deadly dead but i am too much of a gentleman to post them on here. It had been a long day and was time for bed, i tell you now, if i thought i felt knackered when i woke up, i was now completely done for. I reckon tomorrow i might just have a day in the garden.

Looks like they made it

2010-07-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Following my five days in Norfolk i could not wait to get down my patch and check on the baby Kestrels, i have wondered all week if they would be there on my return, i need not have worried. On first inspection at the nest box i could see that all but one had left, one was stood on the front lip looking over the patch, at first i thought it was the parent, as i approached the box the baby sat back until i could only see its head.

Kes 1

I decided to sit a while to see if it would venture out, within seconds a second chick appeared from behind a large branch just above the box, only showing its head, very frustrating i must say.

Kes 2

I decided to walk around the backside of the Oak tree to see if i could get a better look, as i did a third chick took to the sky, it was great to see at least three have weaned and appear OK.

Kes 3

I feel sure in time i will locate the fourth one, when i consider the struggle the female had bringing up four chicks all i can say is she did a wonderful job, i am looking forward to checking on the progress of these little Falcons. I have really enjoyed plotting the ups and downs of this family, i guess we may never know what became of the male, i have still not had a sighting of him since i saw him with the damaged wing, he can feel proud of the part he played in giving life to four healthy young Kestrels, the female has worked wonders, i hope that their sucess is repeated next year, i may even put up a couple of extra nest boxes around the area in the hope one of their offspring hangs around.

A quick look today (5/5/10) revealed this fellow.

The Wonderful Norfolk Broads

2010-07-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is probably the first and last time you will see me with a beard, the reason i am sporting one here is i foolishly decided to back the beard in support of that shower we refer to as the England football team. As soon as the final whistle blew in the match against the Germans, i was in the bathroom taking it off, to think i delayed going away for that.

The week started for us on Sunday evening as we left for a five day break in Norfolk, not easy with the Ma-in-Law suffering from dementia, but with a few of the family offering to stand in we set off to our boat in Brundall. Up with the lark on Monday morning (do larks get up at 8.00am?) we set off down river to our favourite spot alongside Rockland Broad, a trip of around forty five minutes, we entered the broad along the long entrance as this is a good area to get a glimpse of the Marsh Harrier, a great looking Hawk with the most graceful flight.

Entrance to Rockland Broad

Unfortunately there were no Harriers on show, but the view that greeted us on entering the broad soon made up for our disappointment, the sun was beating down, the views were stunning and the bonus was, we were there all on our own, the Southern broads being far less commercial than the Northern side. This fact was the main reason i guess we moved over to the Southern side after thirty plus years of the North. We moored up at the edge of the broad and Jak's got the kettle on.

A view over Rockland Broad

After a cuppa i decided on a bit of bird watching, its a great place to see birds and very rarely disappoints, i spotted the Cettis Warbler, a Hobby chasing Dragon flies, Cuckoo, Reed and Sedge Warbler, and Marsh Harrier, its not easy getting good images when sitting on a boat with the continued gentle rocking so i never even bothered trying, i was just happy with my world, far better than some, no, most Monday mornings in the bad old day when i was working for a living. I was disappointed at the lack of Dragon/Damsel Flies around when we were here a couple of weeks back so decided i should go and look for some today, hopefully they would be more prolific now, they weren't although i did get the odd shot.

I saw a Barn Owl flying in search of food on the fen around 2.00 pm, a sight that never fails to excite me, i assume they have chicks in the nest at present and need to spend a lot of hours hunting.

Hunting Barn Owl

After a hard day out with the camera what could be better than a meal in the local pub, and a chat with a few Broads men who had spent their lives earning a living on the water. One was an Eel catcher, still working but with very reduced numbers. I must say in days gone by Eel's were a pain when fishing, it seemed every other fish was an eel, invariably it cost you a new hook as the bugger always seemed to swallow it with no chance of retrieving them, now its rare to catch an Aguila aguila, although there are some still present in the Broadland rivers, in fact on the Wednesday when my mate Geoff Tuplin and his Brother and Son joined us, Jim the Brother actually caught a very small eel at Woods End, maybe a sign of recovery.

Jim Tuplin with his priced Eel

The following day was spent at Bramerton Common, this time to hone my match fishing skills, with Geoff and his gang arriving on Wednesday I needed to be on top of my game, no way could i let a gang of Northern boys win the fishing match, i caught fish after fish, in fact i had a bite every time in put my float in the water, by the end of the day i had a very good bag of fish, i felt good, those Northern gits needed to watch out. The Wednesday came and Geoff and Co arrived at the Marina around 9.45, delayed a little due to the amount of traffic on the A47 queuing to get to the Royal Norfolk show. Geoff looked like the Elephant man due to an abscess on a tooth, he became the butt of our jokes all day, cruel yes i know, funny though. We arrive at Bramerton after around a hour and a half boat trip, unload the gear and proceed to fish, although the fish were not as accommodating as the previous day we did all manage to catch and safe to say my days practice paid dividends. The guys thought it very amusing when the ice cream boat came up river, we waved them in and enjoyed a Magnum each.

The Oakey man (and woman)

A great days fun and a meal in the pub made for a very enjoyable time, even if Tuppy was suffering.

Thursday saw us heading for a place called Langley Dyke, a beautiful spot approximately a one and a half hour boat trip down stream. I spotted a Bream on the surface as we
cruised along, circling the fish to take a closer look, it appeared to be gasping for air, but when we got near it it shot off at a pace, after about 5 or 6 attempts to get the boat withing a reasonable distance, i got my landing net out and caught the fish, it was in pristine condition, immediately Daz, Geoff's son was posing with the fish for pictures to be taken, this duly happened and the Bream was returned, the rest of the day Daz kept reminding us of how he had the biggest fish of the day, how he works that out i don't know, but all he kept saying was i have the photographic evidence, we let him have his 15 minutes of fame.

Daz Tuplin and poached Bream

I hate to admit this but Jim beat me in our second fishing match at Langley, I tried every trick in the book to avoid defeat, even by throwing stones at his float when he told me he had a bite, but Jim triumphed, i will never live it down. Geoff was lagging behind and was struggling to get a bite, it was strange as he fell further behind his tooth seemed to hurt more than before. Jim took first place, Daz and me took equal second, and Geoff took a miserable last place, his face was a picture. What was Jak doing while this battle took place? Not a lot as you can see.

Jak taking it easy

We returned for home early Friday leaving the Northern lot to fish the marina before they left for Hull later in the day, I had been home a few hours when Tuppy rang, what a shite few days i have had he said, and all the others can say is we have had a ball, what a fantastic couple of days its been he said, just when you think it can get no worse. Whats happened i ask? It appears Geoff was cooking breakfast on his boat shortly after we left and had three plates full of egg, bacon, sausage, tinned tomatoes and three cups of scalding hot tea when the table collapsed resulting in all its contents ended up around Geoff ankles, he spent the next few hours in A&E waiting to have the ulcers that came up lanced and dressed, he has been back to hospital each day since, i know you should not laugh but sometimes aye.

A cheap day out

2010-06-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Foxton is a beautiful village situated on the South side of Leicestershire, my Mum bless her still lives in the village, and my late Dad loved it there.
Foxton Locks is a landmark location on England's waterways, noted not only for its famous flight of locks but also as the site of the Foxton Inclined Plane - A boat lift opened at the start of the 20th century in an aid to speed up boat traffic, when you look at the locks which takes around 45 minutes to navigate, from top to bottom is 75 feet, you can understand the need for a lift.

Foxton Locks

No longer a working boat yard it has now become a major tourist attraction, during the weekends in Summer it is packed with folk enjoying the wonderful views, walks, museum, and pub. Having retired early we can visit mid-week which we did today, and enjoyed a swift half in the newly refurbished Foxton Locks.

Images at Foxton Locks

On leaving the locks Jackie spotted a Kestrel perched high in a young tree, obviously when you stop the car, get out, aim your camera, prepare to press the shutter, yeah, you guessed it, it buggers off. Working on the theory that this must be his territory we waited a while, sure enough he returned and perched in a different tree this time, moving the car into position (the car is a good hide as the birds get used to seeing them) pointed my lens out of the window, and off it shot again, landing in another tree further down the road. This time i decided to crouch down, not easy with my knee's and used my stalking skills, Jak indicated i was level with the Kes, I slowly raised my camera to my eye and over the hedge, there he was in all his glory, a young male by the look of it, i managed a couple of shot before he realised the noise he heard was the shutter on my camera, i wish Canon would sort this, most Canon DSLR's have a noisy shutter.

A lovely Falcon

Leaving Kes behind we had a ride around a few of the villages close by, mainly to see what bird life was around, we came across the usual Swallows, House Martins and Swifts but it is noticeable they appear reduced in numbers this year, in fact it is worrying the lack of these three species, in Norfolk at a pub on the river we frequent, a few years ago there were 70/100 House Martins nests this year there is around a dozen. But back to today, we arrive in Langton a little Hamlet, we admired some of the properties there and spoke about which one we will buy when we win the lottery, as we were about to leave Langton i noticed a bird on the grass verge but was unable to asses what it was, i wish i had because as we got closer it became evident it was a male Sparrow Hawk with a freshly killed Blue tit, unfortunately he never gave us time to get a good look at him. One thing i did find interesting was the walls around the small church, they appeared to be covered in a sandy mortar mix but the strange thing was the fact that the top of the walls were thatched, i don't think i have seen that before.

Thatched Wall Topping

Heading back towards home we stopped off in Gumley another village where my Sister used to live before moving to London. There is an area there with adjacent woodland i frequent from time to time to watch the Buzzards and Green Woodpeckers who always let you know that you are trespassing with their aggressive cackle call. The Buzzards were gliding about 300 feet above us on the lookout for an unsuspecting rabbit but it was disappointing not to hear or see the Green Woody's, i mentioned to Jak that i hoped they survived the Winter, the staple diet being ants, i just wonder if there was enough around to sustain the pecker population.

As we walked and commented how lovely it was to be out in such a beautiful area and have it to ourselves i heard what i thought was a Fox bark, we sat down against a tree and watched a while but saw nothing, i just happened to have my Fox caller in my pocket, well you would wouldn't you and started to squeak the Fox, within seconds we were confronted by two very inquisitive Fox cubs, at first they just looked at us, staring intently and then showed us there displeasure at our presence by barking like mad before returning to the woodland making one hell of a noise. A great site to see up close, i was pleased i managed to get a pic of them before they scurried away.

Like peas in a pod

Its easy to not to make an effort to get out and enjoy the surroundings, but when we do make an effort the rewards can be great, we had a wonderful day that cost us less than a gallon of fuel and a pint in the pub, we saw some stunning views and enjoyed nature in the raw, might just do it again tomorrow.

With the help of technology

2010-06-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

I decided to have a walk around the area that surrounds my patch, the Countryside is stunning with some lovely walks, I guess I tend to take it for granted being so close. I firstly stopped off at Wistow Lake in the grounds of the Wistow estate, I had the fishing rights to this water for many years from the early 1970's, it is only small around three acres, and always very shallow, but I was amazed how shallow it was today, it has silted up so badly.

All silted up

It was here in 1973 I landed a Tench that was 9 ounces short of the British record at 8lb 8 oz's, the record being 9lb 1oz another personal triumph was two 20lb plus carp caught ten minutes apart, firstly a 23lb Mirror followed by a 25lb plus Mirror, in the days when 20's were still pretty rare. I studied the water for some time but saw noting to tell me that fish of this ilk are still present, I was made aware some years ago that most of the large carp were stolen. I did see some carp around the 5lb mark and a few tench in the 3lb class and a tiny little pike, perfection in miniature. I remember one January when working around the lake, I had a rod out with a sprat attached for any unsuspecting pike that may be around, I was not disappointed as I landed a fish of 22lb 8oz, maybe the great great great Grandmother of this tiny specimen.

A miniature predator

I strolled over to the church that sits close to the lake, as i did i remember fishing the lake at last light with a mate of mine, it was around ten pm when i decided to pack up for home, Tony said he wanted to stay another hour. When I saw him next he told me of his hour alone on the bank of the lake, his mind started to play havoc as the dark descended on him, it was when the organ in the church stared to play that he decided his nerves could take no more, he said there was no lights on in the church at the time but the music was blaring out. When i told him that Wistow church did not have an organ he was astounded, he swears to this day he heard it playing.

St Wistans church

The following is taken from the St Wistans website
Human hairs growing through the grass in Wistow Churchyard on 1st June". This is the legend which resulted from the murder in 849 of Saint Wistan, Christian Prince of Mercia, by his cousin, Brifardus, who coveted the throne and cared nothing for Christian principles. Little now remains of the early church built on the site of that murder, but the name Wistow, shortened from Wistanstowe (holy place of Wistan) reminds us of that Christian Prince.

Moving across the fields at the rear of the church towards the Grand Union canal I saw a couple of narrow boats moored, these looked like live aboards and have been there for some time. Now I love boats, I love the canals, I love water, but I have never fancied having a holiday on a canal boat it just doesn't appeal to me, not sure why, maybe the closeness of the banks i don't know, but i can see why people do enjoy it.

The Leicestershire Grand Union canal

As I looked from the canal bridge a small narrow boat approached the bridge, I waved at the two ladies on board and wished them well, they did likewise, i watched as they disappeared in the distance. I then became aware of a Chiff-Chaff singing in one of the tree's above me, I could hear it but not see it, so i turned to technology to help me out. I have a number of bird songs stored on my mobile, luckily i had the Chiff-Chaff, I played it and within seconds this little beauty appeared, infact at one point it nearly landed on my shoulder, I placed my mobile on the fence and within no time the Chiff-Chaff was investigating it.

Phone help

I guess its not fair to mess birds around like this too much, but it was great fun watching him for a minute of so, no harm done as I moved on
I had had a nice walk and decided to head back home, it was with nervous excitement as I was thinking about the up coming England game. My gaze was drawn to buttercups, they reminded me of my childhood days, did you know if you hold a buttercup flower under someones chin and it reflects yellow on their skin it means they like butter?

It may account why a few of my old mates from those days are gone now, too much butter, they all liked it, in fact i never found anyone who didn't like butter, i am so glad i went on the Flora. Jackie still eats butter and so does my old mate Geoff Capes (twice World strongest man) but i think even Geoff would agree that this Ladybird is biting off a little more than he can chew.

Now where shall I start

In relative terms if he gets through all those aphids he will be bigger than the great man. I recall a newspaper piece on Geoff where it listed his daily food intake, it was huge, i reckon this little Ladybird has him beat.

Well having a good morning, the afternoon was pretty good too, i watched the England game with my Grandson Jake who was like a cat on a hot tin roof during the game, all ended well with an England victory, bring on the Germans

Kes update

2010-06-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

I had a day out today hoping to get some birdy pic's, the blighters seem to be evading me of late, so with this in mind I decided to head for a woodland that has paid dividends for me in the past. Before I set off though I nipped down the patch to look at Kes and Co, the female was in the tree where I park my car and took off as soon as I opened the door, the tree overlooks the newly cut hay field so it looks like she has found a plentiful supply of food for the time being. As usual I walked past the nest box to be greeted by four hungry looking faces, I reckon they are eating for England, I took a quick image to show the rate they are growing then left them alone. Still no sign of the Male I'm afraid I am beginning to fear the worst now.

Growing fast

Over to the hide I went again to top up the food, not much about at this time but I did notice a few Dragon Flies skiting over the pond, Broad Bodies Chasers, not to miss a chance I managed a shot or two of the male, the female evaded me, before I went on my way.

Broad Bodies Chaser (male)

I spent over four hours at my chosen woodland without getting a decent image, I did see plenty of juveniles but the little sods wouldn't show, oh well at least I had a good day even if I did burn my legs, that sun is hot.

Nature can be cruel

2010-06-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

I decided on a couple of hours down the patch this afternoon as I needed to top up the feeders and make a repair following squirrel damage to my seed hopper. I always make a point of going past the Kestrel box to see what progress they are making, I looked up and saw four faces looking back at me, I guess the poorly one from earlier didn't make it but four is a good number. I looked back as I passed the nest not until I turned did I see the male Kestrel standing on the Cattle water trough, it took me by complete surprise as usually I can't get anywhere near him, I panicked as I tried to set my camera up, I had my tripod over my shoulder which slowed me down some, when I was ready to take a picture the lens would not focus, checking the settings proved they were fine, I was sure the Kestrel would fly soon, it turns out that my lens was set on manual focus from last night when I was taking images of hedgehogs, bugger I thought. The Kestrel decided he had had enough of me and hopped off the trough and away into some nearby nettles, a strange situation to say the least, he came out and perched on a sheep wire fence, it was obvious there was a problem with his wing, I did manage a couple of shots before he disappeared in the undergrowth of the hedgerow.

Injured male Kestrel

I was concerned for him and his chicks, if he can't fly he will be done for.
Moving to my feeding station I topped up the nut and sunflower heart feeders, and made a repair on my hopper, as you can see the squirrels cause havoc and are so determined to reach my seed.

Squirrel Damage

I sat in my hide for a couple of hours, it was so hot inside but with both front and back flaps open there was a nice breeze blowing through. Not a lot happening at the moment due to the abundance of natural food although the woodpecker paid a fleeting visit, and one or two juveniles i.e. Magpie, Great-tit and Goldfinch kept me entertained.

Juvenile Magpie

I was thinking about the Kestrels so decided to go back, I was so pleased to see the female standing on the edge of the nestbox with her chicks by her side, although I started to worry that she was waiting for the male to bring them a meal.

Hen Kes with chicks

I hope she will be able to manage to find enough food to keep the chicks and herself sustained, I am also hoping that the male is OK when I go back tomorrow but I have my doubts.

The longest day 21/06/10

I have been back today to the patch on three separate occasions to check on the Kestrels, the chicks looked fine as the peered over the edge of the nest box gazing into what will be their new world before long, I saw no sign of either parent although there was nothing strange about that. I spent some time at my hide but always on the lookout for one of the parent birds. No sign in the morning so I returned this afternoon for an hour again no sighting. I was not over worried yet, as I say the chicks look well but I wanted to know at least the hen bird was still around, so with this in my I returned for my third visit of the day, this time I was pleased to she the female sitting on a lofty perch as she surveyed a newly mown hay field, I guess she will find some easy picking here.

My thoughts are that if the weather stays fine and dry, and the fact that the days are as long as they get just now, our Kes's might just be lucky aye.

2010-06-18T14:23:00.001-07:00

The last few days saw us in Norfolk again, this time to coincide with the glorious 16th of June, a significant day for me as it heralds the start of the new course fishing season, I have managed to wet a line on nearly every June 16th from the age of eight. In days gone bye I have been unable to sleep with excitement leading up to the start, now I am relaxed about my fishing and just enjoy the days. I decided to have a couple hours in the marina and attempt to catch a few Roach and Perch, there are some real quality fish within the marina but I never managed a specimen, although I did bag around 25 fish, a really enjoyable couple of hours before breakfast.

A perch

Having filled my belly with a bacon sarnie and some Cadbury's chocky we set off down stream for a cruise, stopping off at lunchtime for a quick tipple at the New Inn pub at Rockland St Mary. I love walking around the Broad here so while Jak read her book I took my camera for a walk. I am always on the lookout for a glimpse of the Chinese Water deer that reside in this area, a very wiley animal which tends to stay hidden most of the time. It is interesting to note that we have more Chinese water deer in Norfolk than they do in China where it has become a protected species. Having heard but not seen the Cuckoo I was delighted to see one of my favourite birds the Wren,Britain's most common breeding bird, having said that you have to be alert to spot them amongst the brambles etc,it treated me to its beautiful song for a minute or so before scurrying away again.

I don't know why it is but of late I seem to be taking more interest in wild flowers and I was reminded of a fact I first learned of as a kid as I looked at the Dogrose, a lovely single rose that climbs amongst the trees and hedges, the fact I was referring to is that the wild rose has seven petals per leaf while the cultivated rose has five, strange how these things stick in the mind.

Dogrose

I met up with a couple of Norfolk firemen who were gazing over the Broad looking for signs of Carp giving away their position apparently, they intended to set up for a night session in the hope of landing a 30lb wild fish, its amazing what you get to know from talking to folk for a few minutes, it turns out they work with a mate of mine at the same fire station.I wished them well and set off back to my boat. I noticed some movement in the long grass in the meadow that surrounds the Broad, on closer inspection it became apparent a water deer was grazing, although some distance away I reckoned with the camera on its tripod I could get a decent shot. I watched him for more than ten minutes before he noticed my presence and moved on, I got a few decent images and feel sure one day I will get much closer to one of these beautiful animals.

The next day saw a return to the marina and then a visit by car to Salhouse to investigate the pub in the village, we had heard some very good reports about the food, pulling into the large car park it was evident they were busy even though it was a mid-week lunchtime as we found it difficult to find an empty parking space. A swift half and a talk with a few of the locals confirmed what we had heard so a return soon for a meal is definitely on the cards.
Salhouse broad is a lovely place for a walk so off we set, walking along a line of ancient Oak trees leads directly to the Broad, the view is stunning and with a number of boats moored up with folk enjoying their holidays added to the scene. Walking along a boardwalk that borders the water we came to notice a Grey Heron, he obviously had his eye on a meal so we paused for a while to watch what happened. His stare was chilling as he locked on to his prey, then without notice he dived headfirst into the water completely submerging himself, seconds later he returned to his lofty position with a small roach in his mouth.

I thought to myself this guy is nearly as good a fisherman as me.

Not for the first time we saw the ice cream man at Salhouse, nothing strange in that you may say, until you realise this oakey bloke is in a boat, very enterprising I reckon, just wave and he comes over to your boat, this time we gave him a miss, but he was doing a brisk trade to say the least.

I needed to be back home today (Friday) to watch the footy with my Grandson, although having just sat through one of the worst England performance I can remember I wondered why I bothered. Oh yeah, I am backing the beard so you may not recognise me next time I see you.

2010-06-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

The weekend heralded the eagerly awaited Budgerigar Society Convention at the Royal Clifton hotel in Southport, this venue was used four years ago for the previous Convention and was a great success, this years event was no different.

Royal Clifton Hotel

Southport Attractions

The function was very well attended by all walks of the fancy from older fanciers to the newest of newest a six month old baby.

I was one of the lecturers at this event as I was four years before, a real honour to be asked back again, even more of an honour to be a joint speaker with one of my budgie hero's Jeff Attwood, probably the best budgie speaker the World has ever seen. I enjoyed our presentation and from the feedback we have received since so did the watching audience.

Other lecturers engaged included Brian Sweeting, Richard & Michael Miller, Kevin Eatwell, Ron Pearce & Marcel Buhler, Ghalib Al-Nasser with Lynn Bancroft and Ian Fielding also the partnership of Huxley & Marchant, well done to the BS for attracting such a great line up.

I only stayed until Saturday morning having arrived on Thursday afternoon, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. The highlight for me was seeing Jeff Attwood receive the Silver Bird (the societies highest honour) for sevices to the Budgerigar society, a very worthy award for a wonderful man, well done mate.

Jeff receives his award from
The BS President Dave Herring

The Hotel is very impressive, the staff and food were very good, no wonder the society decided to return, I believe they will be returning in 2015, its a good job there is a nursing home next to the hotel, I reckon by then we BS members could fill it twice over.
I missed the actual bird show but from what I have heard there were some very good exhibits on display, I would like to say congratulations to Tony Pope from South Wales on his Best in Show award, a great guy and good supporter of the BS. The only downside to the weekend for me was England's draw with the USA, but I am sure we will get better, as my 87 year old Ma-in-Law would say "Come on England"

2010-06-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

I am sad to say Our Robby died last night 13.06.2010 I will miss him greatly.

2010-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

I had a stroll around the patch today, it had been raining hard and was very overcast early on, but now the sun had burned off a lot of the cloud and was very pleasant indeed. In particular I chose to walk along the river that borders one side of the patch, it is only a small river, in places no more that a few inches deep, in others parts it can reach three feet in depth. Some years ago the landowner and I created a few pools along its stretch and it was by one of these I sat and observed a while. It was so relaxing listening to the water trickle over the man made waterfall as it fell to the next level. As I gazed at the water I became aware of a number of Beautiful Demoiselle.

The Beautiful Demoiselle

It seems a strange name for a species that has to fight for the honour of the female most of the day, not a hard man name by any means.. As I watched three or four of them battling for territory I became aware of a female sitting on a reed, she was laying eggs just below the surface, now I know why this fight was going on. I could see the surface tension around her abdomen, suddenly she turned and walked down the stem of the reed and completely submerged herself, as I watched she continued to lay her eggs.

Egg Laying in progress

Down she goes.

As she emerged a male immediately attached itself to her head and they both flew to a nearby leaf, I watched as the mating process took place, on completion she flew back to the water surface and proceeded to lay more eggs.

The dirty deed in process

I decided to continue my walk along the bank as far as I could before the river passed under a road bridge, this is the far end of my patch. I saw a small bird It looked like a Chiff-Chaff in a large Oak tree, reaching for my binoculars I realised I had left the buggars where I was watching the Damsel's. Oh well never mind, I quite enjoyed backtracking as it were, it gave me time to notice one or two of the flowers that are starting to appear in and around the river. I have never been too clued up on plants but always recognise the water forgetmenot, a stunning little beauty.

WaterForgetmenot

I always look forward to seeing the Yellow Iris in its natural environment too, they put on a great show in the margins of the river.

This lovely blue flower caught my eye, but I have no idea what it is.

Enough of flowers for now, seems a little pansy'ish if you see what I mean. I decided to take a walk up to the Manor house, I have a feeling there is a Fox den under a large old wooden shed, so I got myself downwind of it and snuggled down in the hedgerow, my idea was to try and squeak the Fox and cubs out of their den, squeaking is a trick used to attract all sorts of predators, but in my case today it was Foxes. I sat for ten minutes or so listening to the noises around me, you can often tell a lot about the surroundings this way, it told me there was no bloody foxes about, but my fox caller could change all that. My first squeak was a loud one aimed at getting the attention of any Raynard's that may be in the area, it has been known to call them in from 500 meters. I waited a while with no results, I squeaked again this time I did get a reaction, from the Jack Russell terriers that reside inside the house, the next thing I knew there were three of them heading my way making one almighty row. That's the end of the foxes for today I thought. Joe Goddard the landowner appeared with gravy dripping off his chin, obviously in the process of enjoying his Sunday lunch, I apologised for disturbing him, he laughed as I bumped my head getting out of his hedgerow, then thanked me for sending him the images of the Kestrel chicks. All in all a nice couple of hours spent around my patch, a quick look at the Kestrel box on my way back to the car saw one chick stick its head our for a split second, I was surprised how much it had grown since Monday, I must get back soon to record their progress.

2010-06-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sparrow Hawk

Marsh Harrier

Accipiter nisus
Sparrow Hawk

2010-06-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Turnstones
Arenaria interpres
Sandpipers and allies

2010-06-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Dark Red Breasted Pochard

Black Swan

Anser anser
Greylag goose

2010-06-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Vanellus vanellus
Plovers and Lapwings

2010-06-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

Turdidae
Chats and Thrushes

Juvenile

Red-Wing

2010-06-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Aegithalos cuandatus
Long-tailed tit

2010-06-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Today it stopped raining long enough for me to get my four piece ladder in the boot of the car and go take a look at the Kestrel chicks. The grass and more importantly tree canopy was wet through, but undeterred I place my ladder of a small branch of the Oak, I really did not fancy it much but it was about the only place to put it. I got within touching distance of the nest water running down my neck, but not high enough to see inside, I lifted the camera and took a picture, not up to much i have to say, another couple more equally as bad so down I go for a rethink.

The only other place the ladder would reach was the nest box itself, so that would have to do.

I could just see over the lip of the box, this revealed that there were five baby Kes's in there, good news. Another quick couple of images and away I went.

It was not until I got back and looked at the pictures on my laptop that I noticed a small rodent next to the chicks, obviously left for them by the parent bird. I hope now these will go on and mature to adults although one (the one on the right) did not look too well. I guess the strongest survive and the week fall by the wayside, it will be interesting to plot their progress over the next few weeks and I intend to visit them again before they fledge.

2010-06-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Up-date time on our Robby, he is doing well and growing fast (I think) although I am a little worried about his feet, he looks pen-toed, he did when we first had him but I thought all baby Robins were like that, maybe they are. he is so demanding for food I never get a break, I was hoping Jak would take over while I was at the BS convention this weekend but no, she Say's he has to go with me. I have had a helping hand today with the feeding, Jak's pet budgie Billy gave a hand.

Robby and Billy

I hope he makes it to adulthood and we can let him go, I recall the guy recently on Halcyon river diaries where he found a Kingfisher with a broken wing, he tied everything to give it a chance at life, unfortunately it didn't make it, he cried. I hope I am not in that position in a few months, but you know I just have a feeling Robby might just make it.

2010-06-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Show cage training

At this time of the year, most serious exhibition budgie breeders will be well into the breeding season, and will just about be completing their second rounds, it is around this time the thoughts turn to the first round youngsters as these will form the basis of the breeders early young bird show team.
Some birds will be natural showmen/women and will adapt to the show cage with absolutely no problems whatsoever, others though will be just the opposite and will not like the confines of a show cage; it is these birds we need to give some show cage training to.
It is no good just placing this type of bird in the show cage and leaving it to get on with it, thinking it will get used to it in time, it won’t, all that will result is a bird that has so many bad habits, it will be useless at any show. I suggest short periods of no more than tem minutes at a time, and only when you the breeder is present. It is important to make sure the bird gets on the perch, use a judging stick to do this, just place the stick between the show cage bars and touch the chest of the bird, if you are lucky the bird will hop onto the stick and you can then lift it to the perch, it should the step onto the perch it’s self.
If the bird will not get up, try tapping the front of the cage below perch level, this is what a judge will do at a show, and the birds will get used to the tapping. Once the bird is up, stand back for a while and view from a distance, so as not to crowd it at first. If the bird drops to the floor, just repeat the process of getting it up on the perch again, remember, no more than ten minutes at a time, when the time is up, place the bird back in the same stock cage it came from, have another session with this bird the next day.
If you have a budgerigar that despite all your efforts will not perch, one trick you can try is to get and old stager, an adult show bird who is used to a show cage, place both him and the baby in together, the calm of the adult can help the youngster, and quickly teach him to calm down. It is amazing how soon a nervous baby can learn the ropes from an old hand.
One practice that must be avoided at all costs in my opinion is that of placing stuff on the floor of the show cage to stop the bird sitting on the floor, I have heard of all types of practices from filling the floor with ping pong balls, to actually putting an inch or more water in the cage, I strongly recommend you do not go down this route.
Once you feel your bird is reacting well to being in the show cage, start to move the cage around the bird room, this will get them used to being moved, banged around etc. Take it in the house and let the kids run around it, obviously do not over stress the bird, again just short spell, then back to the shed and his/her mates.
One other practise is to take the bird a ride in the car, no not to go shopping with you, but to get it used to the noise, the darkness, and the movement of the road. It would be a wasted effort if you spent all the time it took to get your best baby used to the show cage, spending six to eight weeks preparing and getting him in the best feather for the show, only to ruin it all because he panicked on his first outing and smashed his flights, or banged his head and had blood everywhere when you got to the show all.

If you follow these tips, and get your bird to the show in his best suit as it were, and have him/her standing steady on the perch, looking at the judge as if to say, look at me, give me the rosette, the chances are he will, and you will have a very well deserved winner on your hands, if so, give the bird and yourself a very well deserved pat on the back.

2010-06-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

The following article was first published in 2006. The Budgerigar Society are now attepting to address some of the issues raised in its content by introducing the "New Guidlines" We await the final publication of those guidlines with interest.

What should the judges be looking do?
Each year the Budgerigar Society club show throws up a few comments re-judging, last year was no exception. Conversations ranged from the condition of some exhibits, to Flecking, also Variety content, along with many other issues. As a Budgerigar Society (BS) full panel judge I can sympathise with some of the points raised by the exhibitors, but I can also see it from the judge’s point of view as well.

FLECKING
One area that always seems to cause contention is the flecking rule, the BS instruction to judges is to penalise flecking severely, as there are degrees of this fault, commonly known as ticking, which is not as severe but still detracts from the overall beauty of the bird. This often leads to less experienced fanciers asking why do flecked birds still win? The reason is that the judge having taken into account these faults, may still consider the flecked exhibit to be superior to those opposing it in the class, and consequently it will be given a first place.

Potentially there is a problem for the judge, if all the better quality birds he gets to judge on the day are flecked, using this criteria it could lead to a situation where all the birds put forward for a higher award may also be flecked. So what should he do? Only award clean maybe far lesser exhibits or the better quality flecked ones? I can hear some of you saying put up the clean one, but on the other hand there will be as many wanting to see the quality birds put forward. Obviously it is desirable that a bird that is very black on the head should not win, sometimes they do, ticked birds very often win.

How can we overcome this problem for the judges? Should the BS ban flecked birds? Should the judges not put up flecking? . This issue has been discussed at length in the past and I don't intend to open it again in this article, but exhibitors can help, maybe we should not show them, this would alleviate the problem overnight, but there is no instruction to do so, they are not banned from the show bench! I personally prefer to judge only clean exhibits, but I can also appreciate the qualities of a very good-budgerigar carrying flecking. So as you can see they do and will continue to cause problems for the judges. I can see this being a cause of contention for many years to come.

CONDITION
This is another area that nearly always seems to cause concern to some exhibitors. As both an exhibitor and a judge I agree that condition is essential, as the BS instruction states, but how do we define condition? Should we only consider a bird that is full in feather, with fine or yellow feathering, as being in condition, I hope not. Most of the condition issues arise with buff/intermediate feathering, comments like "That bird should not win, it is out of condition" are often heard around the shows. This when the type of bird mentioned is in my opinion IN condition, it is just carrying a different type of feather, giving the bird a rougher look. Should judges discount a bird from taking a first place if it has a flight feather missing, or a spot missing, or maybe only showing one tail? These are temporary faults, and if missing when judged need to be considered, but do these exhibits need to be thrown out? Again there is no B.S. instruction to do so.

A common sense approach needs to be taken, let's look at it again from the judge's view. We have a buff feathered bird is a super exhibit and a wonderful example of a top class budgerigar, but with a spot missing, or has one short tail feather, it is otherwise in condition. Up against it in the class are a number of poorer specimens in perfect condition, complete in feather, what would you do? What should the judge do?

I personally would consider the faults carried by the good exhibition bird and if I considered this exhibit to be superior to the others in the class, it would be awarded a first place, I would hazard a guess so would most other judge's, so now we can see how some birds with faults can win.

It is my opinion that we should try to continue to move the budgerigar forward, striving for even better specimens than we have today. I have heard all the arguments about birds becoming too big etc, but if the late Harry Bryan and Ken Farmer had rested on their laurels all those years ago we would not have the type of budgerigar we have today, and there are some wonderful specimens around. It is my opinion that size is not a problem, lack of style can be, but size and style can be brought together, it is down to the breeders to achieve it.

VARIETY CONTENT
Variety bird breeders seem have an ongoing problem, do the judges, select on the actual variety content of the exhibit as laid down by the BS scale of points or do they assess them as a budgerigar first? Both are important. Size shape and deportment is asked for by the BS, so should we be looking for a budgerigar that equals the more mainstream colours from a size issue? Or a good example of the variety? Is it possible to combine the two? I think it is, but not easy when breeding recessive varieties.

Thinking back to Miss Kirby Masons lutinos from years gone by, these carried wonderful hot body colour, probably not so common on today's lutino's, is this because breeders are trying to breed for size to the detriment of body colour? Should we place a hot body coloured lutino in front of a paler coloured, superior example of a budgerigar?

I can certainly see the frustrations facing the breeders who are trying to retain the beauty of some of the variety birds, and I can sympathise with then. I feel the biggest problem is consistency, some judges will select for a budgerigar, and others will go for the variety content first, resulting in different placings each week. It can be very infuriating for the exhibitors of these varieties.

The above situation can apply to Albino's, clearwings, recessive pied, spangles, and many more varieties, and I know for a fact many exhibitors get quite annoyed when one of their birds has not done as well as they feel it should have done.

I would like to point out to them though that it is not only the breeders of variety birds who suffer these frustrations. The breeders of Normal varieties as they are known, light green, blues, greys, cinnamons, etc, can have similar frustrations. Let’s look at the old chestnut the spangle as an example. For years a bone of contention with breeders of normal’s, yes spangles are a variety bird, and subsequently will face the problems already considered above, i.e., variety content etc, but there is one area that really is a cause for concern, the spots!

For some unknown reason these seem to be ignored in a lot of cases. What I am alluding to here is many a time a spangle has won without a full complement of spots, in some instances no spots at all, so how can this be?

Again If the judge is faced with a class of very poor small spangle exhibits carrying spots, but up against a good example of a spangle budgerigar without spots, he will assess this fault of no spots (and it is a fault) but may still consider the overall quality to be far better than the poorer birds and place it first, I would think that most judges who have judged spangles in recent years will have been faced with this type of situation. How we have got to this state of affairs with the spangle variety I'm not sure, if we as judges continue to put them first the situation will perpetuate. Why can't we consistently breed spots on the spangle variety?

The point I am trying to make here is it is not always the variety breeders who are penalised, the normal carrying a full complement of spots can be beaten by a spangle carrying no spots, so as you can see it happens both ways.

I have been guilty of the above on many occasions; it is difficult to place a pet above a quality exhibit.

CONCLUSION
How can we overcome the issues raised above, this is a difficult one. I believe flecking will always be with us, we can argue exhibitors could help here by not showing flecked birds, but unless they are banned from the show bench (I am not advocating banning flecking) we will continue to see them.

Variety breeders have to try and get the size into their birds without losing the beautiful variety content if they are to compete for major awards.

Condition will continue to be an issue; again exhibitors can help the judges by trying to show birds that are only in condition, judges can help by not awarding them first if they are too far out of condition. I accept it is sometimes a numbers thing, showing as many birds as possible at your own show to keep the numbers up.

I would ask all exhibitors who criticise judges to try and put themselves in the judge’s position, take into account some of my comments mentioned, and believe me there are many more issues faced by judges before the final decisions are made.

Who would be a judge aye?

I hope this article will have provoked some thought.
Copyright 2006 © Mick Freakley http://www.fa1-stud.co.uk/. All Rights Reserved

Trim those vents

2010-06-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Trimming Budgerigars Vents

The modern day budgerigar is carrying a lot more feather than its ancestors did years ago, consequently this extra feather can cause problems during the mating process which is a touch mating, obviously excess feather around the vent area will obstruct the sperm from reaching it’s desired destination resulting in clears (infertile) eggs.

It is advisable to trim around the vent area of both the cock and the hen bird, this is easily achieved by carefully cutting the feather and under down with a fine pair of scissors. Some fanciers prefer to pull these feathers out but I feel this is more stressful to the birds, also the process will need to be repeated between rounds it is surprising how quickly they grow back.
There is a line of thought we should not to remove the guide feathers as they help to direct the sperm towards its final destination, I do not subscribe to this thought so remove those too.

The procedure does not automatically guarantee fertile eggs, as the pair has to be compatible and in condition, if they are and a mating takes place it will certainly increase your chances of a full clutch.

The show season is coming

2010-06-08T12:12:00.001-07:00

ARE YOU PREPARED?
With a new budgerigar show season fast approaching, our thoughts must
now turn to show preparation. Most serious breeders will be now
finishing off the breeding season, pairs will be split leaving the cages
empty and after cleaning ready for the prospective show team.
Our first task is to select the young birds (current year bred) we
consider having potential for the show team. Any that look like they
have the required attributes to make a show bird need to be caged up for
a week or so in the stock cages, this will allow them to gain a little
weight, and also become a little steadier.
Do not worry about feather condition at this time, although it is a
good idea to remove any broken flight or tail feathers, the reason being
they will not moult out until later in the year, and if not removed the
exhibit will be eliminated from showing for the whole year.
These main feathers take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to regrow, so as
you can see we need to act now.

Leave the selected birds to settle for a week of so, and keep an eye on
them to ensure that non are being bullied, a few treats will be welcome;
millet sprays and tonic seed will help. It is important not to
overcrowd, and it may be better to keep the sexes separate.
Once they have settled it will be time to start the process of
attempting to get them into show condition. The first step is to spray
them regularly, the first spray needs to be with hot water with a little
plume spray or similar added, this would remove the initial grime and
dirt. A hand spray with a fine mist is ideal for this process. Really
soak the birds so it is difficult to recognise their colour; it is
beneficial to do this as early in the day as possible to ensure they
have adequate time to dry properly before roosting.

Spraying is carried out in an all wire cage, and old pet cage is ideal,
this will allow all of the bird to be sprayed. Continue spraying on
alternate days with just cold water from now, this will encourage the
birds to preen and in time bring their feathers into pristine
condition.Wash the head area with baby shampoo being careful to avoid contact
with the eyes, any head feathers that are showing pink quills will need
careful consideration, it is important to let nature take its course
with these as any early intervention will result in them bleeding and
staining the head. A soft toothbrush is ideal for the washing process, brush away from the cere, when completed replace them in the stock cage to dry naturally.

Both processes of spraying and head washing need to be continued right
up to show time, with the last spray taking place approximately 2/3 days
before the show.
All birds will not come into condition at the same time so it is best
to leave the de-spotting exercise to the week of the show, if you are
very new to the hobby it would be a good idea to seek advice from a more
experienced fancier to show you the ropes with regard to de-spotting,
one mistake will mean all your weeks of preparation will be wasted. Spot
feathers can take up to four weeks to re-grow.

Most exhibits are required to have six evenly spaced spots with the
exception of the red eye varieties and recessive pieds. It is best by
removing the flecks and smaller spots first; you will see the 4 main
spots and 2 smaller cheek patch spots. All the others need to be
removed; some people use their fingers for this but most prefer to use a
good pair of tweezers. Time is important here, do not rush this exercise
and if the bird shows signs of stress, place it back in the stock cage
and complete later.

The whole process of bringing the young birds into show condition can
take up to six weeks, the adults take less time, three or four weeks but
remember flights and tail feathers take the same time to grow in both
young and adult birds.

It is very important to keep the stock cages clean throughout, it would
be counter productive to keep washing your show team, just to place them
back in a dirty cage.

Just prior to your first show you my find the exhibit is in perfect
feather but with just a few quills in the head area, as long as these
quills are not pink they can be opened by brushing with a dry tooth
brush or by rubbing off the wax covering with your finger nail. As
mentioned earlier be aware of the pink quills, they are best left
alone.I can tell you from my experiences of judging many of the Countries top
shows, that if your exhibits are not in condition they will be penalised
by the judges, you may have the best budgie in the show hall, but
without proper preparation it may as well stay at home.

After the show place your exhibits back in their original cage and let
them settle again, they will most likely be stressed from their efforts
of the day, make sure they have fresh water and plenty of grit
available. It is important to carry on with the spraying in the
following weeks in an attempt to hold condition for future shows, do not
put birds you intend to keep showing in the main flights, this will
induce a moult. Inevitably nature will kick in somewhere along the line
and your exhibits will go out of conditions, this is the time to give
them a rest.
Make sure your show cages are in tiptop condition, freshly painted if
necessary, with just plain seed in the bottom. Only new style budgerigar
cages are allowed on the show bench by the Budgerigar Society, so if you
have any old style ones either convert them or use them in your bird
room.

A properly prepared show bird.

Good luck for the coming show season, if you get beat, take it on the
chin and congratulate those who have beat you, hopefully they will
congratulate you when your turn come around. Ask the judges if you have
any queries as to where your exhibit was placed, they will be only to
pleased to explain their placings.

When Freakley meets Ainley

2010-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

When Freakley meets Ainley

Ainley’s first met the Freakley’s in 1990 at Croydon Budgerigar Society open show, we were introduced to each other by Geoff Bowley a mutual source for an outcross, we had both been getting a few birds from Geoff around that time, we were both in the novice section at this time. I can’t recall who had the better show that day, Ian or Jackie and me, but it was the start of a friendship that has lasted the test of time. Why Ian and I hit it off I have no idea, we are like chalk and cheese. Ian is the quite one, I am the noisy one,or that is the public perception, but it works for us.
We swapped birds over a number of years and became good family friends. By now we had attained Champion status and were both very successful in our own right. Birds had moved between Lancashire and Leicestershire for some time, and we were both having a successful time on the show bench in our respective areas, we continued to bring in birds from Geoff and in time a bird or two from Dave Toplis although getting blood from a stone would have been much easier than getting a bird from Dave. Ian had introduced the Dominant pied variety from the very successful stud of Barry Wilde in Blackpool. And I well remember the Dominant Pied grey cock he won Best Any Age with at the Blackpool open show against very strong opposition.

Over a period of time better birds were being swapped until we got to a stage where we would say to each other, just take what you want, but we never did, always feeling it not right to take each other’s best bird, although it would have been fine by both parties. Eventually Ian asked me to go into partnership with him; initially I declined as I did not want to risk the possibility of the birds coming between a good friendships. A few months later, he decided to move home, and asked if I would house his birds while he set up a new bird room, I had been thinking about the partnership and suggested if he still wanted me as a partner this would be a good time and I would be happy to do so.
The birds were shipped down from Rochdale until Ian's new bird room was completed. The next breeding season we had all the birds to our disposal, allowing us to make the best pairs for the coming breeding season, birds would regularly travel the M1/M62 on a regular basis. We both like the same type of bird, and see them very similarly. Our first show season as partners could not have been better, in fact we took the best in show award at all the shows entered that year, culminating with all four Major awards at Hull BS open show, and we were most pleased.
Specials at the BS club show and more best in shows followed, that is until we had a problem with a nasal discharge in a few of our birds, this has been well documented, and an article was published in the BS magazine, so I will not go into it here, suffice to say it set us back for a time, we lost a number of our best birds, it was a stressful time in the hobby for us. If that was not bad enough the Rio virus hit the hobby and a full show season was lost for all.

We have always like a bird with plenty of feather, by that I mean intermediate to buff feathering, and have no worries about pairing buff to buff, but our preferred pairing is buff to intermediate, this type of pairing has worked for us over a long period and we see no reason to change.
We are a small stud in as much as I have 24 breeding cages and Ian has 21, rarely do we fill all of these with breeding pairs, we have to see a reason to put a pair of birds together.
We have created over time two lines which have pretty much now merged into one, the Cinnamon/Pied line and the Normal/Spangle line, but as you will note, our cinnamon yellow face spangle hen from the club show will indicate that these lines have now merged. We have bred some wonderful birds over time, we feel it is because we are so hard on what we keep; only the better birds in the stud survive our strict culling process, at times we have culled to an extent where we ideally do not have enough birds, but we work hard with what we have.
Our ambition has always been to win the BS club show, an ambition we always felt we would achieve, but easier said than done. As you know, we did achieve that ambition in 2007 when our Sky blue cock was awarded the Supreme award. Happy, you could say that, we were overwhelmed.

Freakley & Ainley with Geoff Capes

We were asked during interviews etc on the day of the show, where do you go from here? What ambition do you have left; we all had the same goal, to win it again. The fact it happened so quickly, 2008 was unbelievable, and with a different bird was for us the icing on the cake, we learned later in the day we were the first exhibitors ever to win the Supreme award with the Dominant Pied variety.
Nothing has changed in the management of the FA1 stud, and our aims remain the same. If we could give advice to anyone, it would be to be your own worst critic, be hard on the birds you keep, and try to raise the bar every year, only use the type of bird you like, it is no good looking at birds that do not appeal to you. Be patient, it takes time to create a stud, work in families if you want to create consistency in your birds, introducing out crosses only if you feel they will add to what you already have.
Be patient, this seems to be an asset missing in exhibitors today, beginners seem to want to win from the off, and not just in their section. I understand that there is more money available today, but it may interest you to know that we did not win our first challenge certificate until we were in the intermediate section, so good was the competition. Build a stud to last the test of time, this way you will reap the rewards over a long period, instead of being a one hit wonder. There are no real secrets to success in this game, a little common sense along with a lot of patience, and I see no reason why anyone cannot be successful. I hope you are all drinking our wine at the BS Gala dinner in September, because if you are, it will mean we have just done the hat trick, realistically, we will hope to get a few good birds to the show, and enjoy the wonderful banter and leg pulling that this show brings.

Good luck with your own ambitions in the budgie breeding World, Freakley & Ainley wish you all well.

2010-06-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

Carduelis carduelis
Goldfinch

Goldfinch

Carduelis chloris
Greenfinch

Fringill
Chaffincha coelebs

Female Chaffinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhulu
Bullfinch

A little bit of Bully does ya good.

2010-06-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well I'll be, I am so chuffed. I was sitting in my conservatory watching the rain, and more interestingly the baby Starlings fighting over a large piece of suet I have hanging up on one of my wild bird feeders, when out of the blue a male Bullfinch drops by, now anyone who knows me will tell you I love the Bullfinch, I also hate then with a passion when it comes to photographing the little buggars, why? Because no matter what I do or where I go I never seem to get near them, only on the very odd occasion have I been fortunate enough to get a picture of one, even then it was a dull overcast day while waiting for a Bittern to show itself at the Eyebrook reservoir in February.

My best Bully image

Rain or no rain out I went to top up the feeders, paying particular attention to the niger and sunflower heart feeders, bullies love both these seeds, please let him be a regular visitor to my garden from now on.
I had intended getting a few images of the Kestrel chicks in the nest on my patch today but the rain scuppered that idea, although the day was not a complete wash out as I went and got the Ma-in-Law a new hearing aid, that should please her neighbours now she can have the tele on a lower volume.

Sea Birds

2010-06-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Puffin
Fratercula arctica

Gannets
Morus bassanus

2010-06-08T04:56:00.000-07:00

Erithacus rubecula

Dragon Fly's

2010-06-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

Black Tailed Skimmer

Broad Bodied Chaser (male)

Aeshna juncea
Common Hawker

Libellula quadrimaculata
Four-spotted Chaser

Heron

2010-06-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

Grey Heron

Night Heron

Night Heron

Egretta garzetta
Little egret

Ardea cinerea
Heron

Kestrels

2010-06-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Falco tinnuculus
Kestrel

Dotterels

2010-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Charadrius morinellus

2010-06-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Kingfishers

2010-06-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Alcedo atthis

2010-06-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Swallows

2010-06-07T12:27:00.001-07:00

Hirundo Rustica

Kestrels a plenty

2010-06-07T09:54:00.001-07:00

Falco Tinnunculus

I have been watching a pair of Kestrels nesting in a box on my patch for some time now, keeping well clear most of the time, just having a peep with my bins now and then to see the hen is still sitting her eggs. I noticed one day last week she was missing from her usual spot, watching from the nest box as she surveyed her territory, I wondered where she could be. Had the eggs failed and she had deserted? Had the nest been robbed by a predator? A Crow, Squirrel etc? The nest looked so vulnerable without her siting in it, or on a more positive note had the eggs hatched and she was waiting somewhere for hubby to bring her a meal for her new born?

I would have to wait for the answers as we were about to have a few days away on our boat in Norfolk. Today I went and staked out the nest, I sat watching the front of the box for ages with no clues to what was going on, I was becoming concerned at the lack of attention around the nest box. I thought I saw some movement earlier which turned out to be a fly inside the box, its funny what tricks your eyes play when you stare in the same place long enough. All of a sudden I did see some movement and was mad with myself for not reacting quick enough to take a picture of what it was, I need not have worried as soon after I saw another movement which this time I did record, it was a pair of wings obviously from a baby Kestrel, how relieved I felt,soon after I was rewarded with a view of a couple of heads, happy days.

Being a natural worrier I was now wondering if my presence was keeping the parents away, I was in my dome hide, but I would be kidding myself if I thought the birds could not see it. I need not have concerned myself as suddenly the male appeared with an offering, a vole for his off-spring. He presented it to his partner, and in seconds he was off hunting again. It amazes me that most of the food finding is done by the male who usually brings it to the female to feed to their chicks.

It was another two hours before they returned with the next meal, it looked very much like a tree sparrow.

I am very pleased to report that all is well with the Kestrels on my patch, particularly as they are now on the amber list. I hope to monitor the progress of the chicks over the next week or so. happy days.

.

Down memory lane

2010-06-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

Now there's a title I never wanted to be associated with, but I am so feel free to join Jeff Attwood and myself at the BS convention on Friday 11th where we will be presenting a slide show entitled, yes you guessed it "Down Memory Lane" Jeff is one of the best ever speakers on budgerigars and I am honoured to be asked to accompany him in Southport, we hope to see you there.

ChiffChaff

2010-06-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Chiff-Chaff

Jay's

2010-06-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

Garrulus Glandarius

2010-06-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

We decided to have a few days in Norfolk and as you know by now Robby goes everywhere with me, so a trip to the East Coast for him would be his first. I placed his box in one of my all wire photo cages (used for front cover budgie images) and sat him on the back seat, put his seat belt on, well around the cage and off we set. Twenty minutes later Jak told me Robby was calling for food, so stopping in the next available lay-bye he had a feed of chopped worms. On we go for a further 30 minutes when he was calling again, another lay-bye another feed.

Robs first seaside trip.

A further three stops and we reached our destination, Brundall, where our boat Ruby Tuesday is moored. Rob seemed to take to his new surroundings straight away, all he wanted to do is watch the ducks, so we gave him a ringside seat, he loved his new view and certainly let us know when it was time to bring him inside.

Ringside seat

I have to say over the next three days I turned into a Robin, everything that moved I investigated to see if it was a suitable meal for our Robby.

Hide and Seek

2010-06-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Red-Leg Partridge.

Moving the boat further downstream, we moored up at Langley Dyke, a small tranquil offshoot from the vast river Yare, I walked towards the village, a walk I had taken the previous year around September, I wanted to look around a small lake I had discovered at Langley Abbey in the hope of photographing some Mallard chicks.. I was surprised to see a temporary car park opposite the entrance to the Abbey apparently the doors were open to the public for the first time, I reassoned as I was already there I may as well have a snoop around. Although I was interested in the history of the Abbey, I was more interested in the surroundings and found myself walking around the grounds, I spotted a partridge in the distance and walked towards it, it was a Red-Leg, an introduced species from Europe.

Red-Legged Partridge.

They mainly breed in France and Spain but are very widespread here now. It became quite disturbed at my presence and I wondered why, I only wanted to take its picture. I sat down and kept a low profile when suddenly the partridge made a run for it to my left, with a speed that Usain Bolt would have struggled to achieve, it covered around 50 metres in next to no time, when suddenly around twenty chicks appeared out of nowhere.

I stood to get a better view, and in doing so they all disappeared instantly as the Mother dashed off again. They were there I just could not see them. I waited for what seemed an age when one by one they reappeared, the Mother joined them and they all trotted off together.

Looking around I noticed I had wondered into a private area, I reckoned I should beat a retreat. My fear is they may all not make it to adult hood, I guess one or two at least will become a meal for a Crow or Heron, but I hope not.

2010-06-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Rockland Broad boat channel

Time to observe
Sitting next to my boat whilst having a cuppa on the bank of the short entrance to the beautiful Rockland Broad, situated a short distance off the River Yare, my attention was drawn to a small little brown bird flitting back and forth from a small area of old Norfolk reed. At first I took little notice, but always looking for a birdy pic I move my position, this would give me better results with the sun behind me if a photo opportunity did arise. I sat for I guess 20 minutes watching this lovely little warbler, wondering why it kept coming back to this sparse area of reeds.

It never dawned on me until I saw it fly off with a fetal sac that there was a nest among them, something that would have been second nature to me as a 13/14 year old lad. On first inspection I found nothing as my search was mainly concentrating on the reeds themselves, but as I looked closer I spotted the nest neatly tucked away about a foot above the ground within some nettles and bramble.

Whitethroat Nest

What a thing of beauty it was with a full clutch of chicks too, I quickly got Jak's to hold the vegetation to one side while I took a photo,quickly we placed it back to its original position and beat a hasty retreat. Within two or three minutes the parent bird was back at the nest with a beak full of insects for the waiting hungry chicks. We settled back in our chairs soaking up the Norfolk sun and marveled at how hard these birds had to work if they were to be successful rearing their brood. What species was it I guess you are wondering? It was a Whitethroat, a migrant, it winters in Africa, South of the Sahara.

Whitethroat

I never did get a clear shot of this hardworking bird, but was happy to have observed its world for a short time.

Making Hay

2010-06-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

As a young boy we lived opposite open farmland, how we loved messing around in the fields and close by woodland, birds egging was the order of the day, my mates and me used to find nests of all species, when I look now I find nothing, I guess the years have stripped me of my youthful knowledge. The time we looked forward to most was when the farmer cut the hay, the wildlife that lived in the grass in those long gone time was vast, voles were a plenty as were fieldmice, watching the Kestrel hovering over a newly cut field was a site to behold (still is) The hay was baled and left in the fields for what seemed weeks, we would make dens with the bales, castles, etc we had endless fun, all his would take place in September. Why mention this now?

Making Hay

Well as I sat in my garden pondering as we do on a lovely sunny June day, a tractor appeared and proceeded to cut the grass in the field at the rear of my property, it's June 3rd, how times have changed aye. I guess with modern fertilisers etc the grass grows quick enough to harvest twice in a season, but at what cost to the wildlife we knew as kids?

2010-06-03T00:14:00.000-07:00

Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus

Little grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis

Great Spotted Woodpecker

2010-06-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Green Woodpecker

Dendrocopus major

Copyright Mick Freakley

Bloody Rain

2010-06-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

I decided to take myself and my camera for a walk today, it was overcast, not the best conditions for taking bird images, but the weather girl said it was going to brighten up (lieing sod her) it rained, rained and rained even more as you will see from my lily pad image.

I was out now so I thought I may as well make the best of it and headed for a Country park about 30 minutes drive away, I parked up and hoped the rain would stop. I noticed some seed on an old tree stump that an earlier visitor had left, shortly after a baby rat appeared. Moving over to the passenger seat of my car and winding the window down, I placed my camera bean bag on the car door. I had my cable release with me, I figured I was going to need it in such low light conditions. Every time I was about to take an image a car door slammed or some noisy brat was chasing around, keeping both the rat and any other species well away from the tree stump, also my camera was getting wet. I'm fed up now.

Moving to another area of the park, the rain ceased temporarily so I ventured out, not far mind as I am a fair weather togger now. The birds it seemed were as fed up as I was, the ones that did decide to show had to put up with a woman's dog, who chased anything and everything that moved.

I decided I could have more fun sitting with the Mother-in-Law so back to the car and called it a day.

More please

2010-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Our Robby

Well Robby is growing fast, he should be if the amount of food he eats is anything to go by. Sod the worm hunting etc, I took the easy route and went to the local fishing tackle shop. I placed Robby on the counter (remember i told you he went everywhere with me) and said, he wants a quarter of maggots and some worms. I have never heard so many Ahh's in my life, full grown men with tattoo's and piercings, noses that looked like the Rock of Gibraltar crowded around to see our Robby. On six foot plus angler said I have got to give him a maggot, it made me smile. We left the shop with a promise of reporting Rob's progress and enough food to last him a fortnight.

He has around six maggots at any one feeding, his record is nine, chopped worms are a favorite with him, but not me slimy as hell when chopped up. Robby will be going on holiday for a few days tomorrow to our boat in Norfolk.

Robby

2010-05-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

My neighbour came round and said I have found this chick in the garden, you are the bird man here you go, and presented me with a tiny bundle of fluff. I wish he had left it where he had found it at the base of our adjoining hedge, that way I am sure Mum would have attended to her little mite.

With this in mind I placed the little baby Robin chick next to the hedge, I watched for over 2 hours but the parents never found it. Faced with the option of either letting it die or trying to help I chose the latter.

I quickly found an ice cream tub and an old towel, now to find some food, I will state now , if I was a bird I would starve to death, finding worms, grubs etc is not as easy as it first seems. That said I found enough to get him through the night. Yes you have guessed it, I was up at first light grub hunting again, this guy demands food every 30 minutes, he goes everywhere with me now (except the loo that is) I will be glad when he can feed himself.

2009-09-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

L&P Martin Best Young Bird 2009

P&D Spruce Best in Show 2009

2008-09-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

B. Sweeting Best young bird in Show

Freakley & Ainley Best in Show 2008

Lightning Strikes Twice

2008-09-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Dude 2008 winner

Following on from our fantastic win at the Budgerigar Society World show in 2007, we had talked about where we would go from here, some well known budgie fanciers said it would be all down hill from now on.We never saw it that way. I made a pledge to my budgie partner that we would win it again, once is a hell of an achievement, twice is exceptional. On the Saturday as we watched the judging of the major specials, our Dominant Pied cock bird was selected as the Best Adult in show, as in 2007 we now had to compete against the Best young bird (current year bred) It seemed to take an age for the judges to make up their minds, but to our amazement we triumphed again, Although I thought we would be crowned World Champs again, neither of us thought it would be so soon. We will now go down in budgie history as one of only four who have won the World show more than once.

2007-09-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Roy Aplin Best Young Bird 2007

Freakley & Ainley Best in Show 2007

We did it

2007-09-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

2007 winner

On the 29th September 2007 my budgie partner Ian and I achieved our life long budgie ambition. To win The Budgerigar Society "World Show" Our Skyblue cock initially won Best Any Age in show, he then had to beat the Best Young bird in show to become the "Supreme Champion" This he did, and we partied long and hard.

This award has been the result of over 20 years hard work, to create a stud of budgerigars that can compete at the highest level, We feel so proud.